O OneWordDaily
AI-generated image
Word of the Day Tuesday, June 9, 2026

reductionism

/riːdʌkʃəˈnɪzəm/ noun · British & US
Valid in UKValid in US
Share WhatsApp

What does reductionism mean?

noun

The practice of explaining complex phenomena by reducing them to their simplest terms, often oversimplifying their nature. The tendency to explain complex phenomena in terms of simple or basic principles.

Example

"The reductionism of modern physics has led to a greater understanding of the universe, but it has also been criticized for oversimplifying the complexity of reality."

Definition generated by AI and curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Synonyms for reductionism

Antonyms of reductionism

Rhymes with reductionism

Etymologically related