Engineering English
Space Complexity
Software Engineering · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: The amount of memory space required by an algorithm as a function of the input size. It includes both auxiliary space and the space taken by the inputs.
Example in context
“When sorting large datasets in memory, we must consider the space complexity of the chosen algorithm to avoid exhausting available RAM.”
“Büyük veri kümelerini bellekte sıralarken, mevcut RAM'i tüketmemek için seçilen algoritmanın uzay karmaşıklığını dikkate almalıyız.”
Where engineers use it
Space complexity is analyzed alongside time complexity when evaluating algorithms. Engineers must consider it when dealing with embedded systems, large data processing, or cache-constrained environments to ensure efficient memory usage.
Synonyms: memory complexity
Practice: can you use “Space Complexity” at work?
You need to implement a pathfinding algorithm for a drone with limited onboard memory. Compare the space complexity of depth-first search and breadth-first search to choose the better option.
Show a model answer
“Analyze the space complexity of this recursive algorithm to see if it will fit in the device's memory.”
“Space Complexity” in 21 languages
| English | Space Complexity |
|---|---|
| Turkish | uzay karmaşıklığı |
| French | complexité spatiale |
| German | Speicherkomplexität |
| Spanish | complejidad espacial |
| Chinese | 空间复杂度 |
| Arabic | التعقيد المكاني |
| Portuguese | complexidade de espaço |
| Russian | пространственная сложность |
| Japanese | 空間計算量 |
| Italian | complessità spaziale |
| Vietnamese | độ phức tạp không gian |
| Hindi | स्थान जटिलता |
| Thai | ความซับซ้อนด้านพื้นที่ |
| Indonesian | kompleksitas ruang |
| Korean | 공간 복잡도 |
| Bengali | স্থান জটিলতা |
| Dutch | ruimtecomplexiteit |
| Swedish | rymdkomplexitet |
| Finnish | tilakompleksisuus |
| Ukrainian | просторова складність |
Frequently asked questions
What does Space Complexity mean in engineering?
The amount of memory space required by an algorithm as a function of the input size. It includes both auxiliary space and the space taken by the inputs. In Software Engineering, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Space Complexity?
Space Complexity is pronounced /ˈspeɪs kəmˈplɛksɪti/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Space Complexity used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “When sorting large datasets in memory, we must consider the space complexity of the chosen algorithm to avoid exhausting available RAM.”
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