∁
Unicode
U+2201LaTeX
\complementHTML entity
∁HTML decimal
∁MathML
<mo>∁</mo>Semantic identity and intent
Characters to distinguish
- ∖ — Set Minus
Use ∁ in the right format
Meaning and usage
Denotes the elements outside a set relative to an understood universal set.
Specify the ambient set when the complement would otherwise be ambiguous.
Pronunciation: set complement
Formula examples
∁AHow to type Set Complement
- Windows
- Use Character Map or enter U+2201 in a Unicode-aware application.
- macOS
- Open Character Viewer with Control–Command–Space and search by the symbol name.
- Microsoft Word
- In an equation, type \complement and press Space when Word supports the command.
- iPhone and iPad
- Copy and paste ∁, or use a math/LaTeX app. The standard iOS keyboard may not expose every mathematical symbol.
- Android
- Copy and paste ∁, or use a math keyboard or LaTeX editor. Keyboard layouts vary by device and app.
- Google Docs
- For plain text, paste ∁ or use Insert → Special characters. For structured math, use the equation editor and verify \complement.
- Excel
- Paste ∁ into a cell or use Insert → Symbol when available. Ordinary cells preserve the character but do not interpret LaTeX commands.
Common mistakes
- State the set-theory convention around ∁; Specify the ambient set when the complement would otherwise be ambiguous.
- For plain text, copy ∁ as U+2201; for structured equations, use \complement in math mode. A look-alike glyph or image can break search, accessibility, or parsing when the intended character is Set Complement.
When to use ∁
- Use ∁ in plain text when a Unicode character is appropriate and the destination preserves U+2201.
- Use \complement in an equation editor when mathematical spacing or structure matters.
- Define the local meaning when Set Complement is used in set theory, topology with a field-specific convention.
Look-alikes and related characters
- ∖ — Set Minus
Font and compatibility notes
Font coverage varies; verify the code point and destination rendering before publication.
Continue the workflow
From Set Complement to a finished equation
- Copy the characterUse ∁ in plain text when Unicode is accepted.
- Choose a structured formatUse
\complementfor LaTeX or the MathML snippet for accessible web equations. - Edit or convertOpen the value in the editor or converter without retyping it.
Review and source notes
Quality tier: catalog
Last reviewed: 2026-07-23
Review method: Catalog review of character identity and notation mappings.
Verified against: Unicode Standard, Unicode mathematical notation guidance, and established LaTeX/MathML syntax.
Reference sources
- The Unicode StandardUnicode Consortium — Character identity, encoding, names, and conformance.
- Unicode Character Code ChartsUnicode Consortium — Code points and official character charts.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Set Complement symbol mean?
Denotes the elements outside a set relative to an understood universal set.
What is the LaTeX command for ∁?
Use \complement in a compatible math environment.
Can I copy ∁ as Unicode?
Yes. Use the copy button above to copy the Unicode character directly.