complicated

[kom-pli-key-tid]

adjective

1. composed of elaborately interconnected parts; complex.

   complicated apparatus for measuring brain functions.

2. difficult to analyze, understand, explain, etc..

   a complicated problem.

   Synonyms: knotty, tangled, involved

complicated

/ ˈkɒmplɪˌkeɪtɪd /

adjective

1. made up of intricate parts or aspects that are difficult to understand or analyse

Other Word Forms

• complicatedness noun
• complicatedly adverb
• uncomplicated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of complicated¹

First recorded in 1640–50; complicate + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Australians have a complicated relationship with the sun: they love it, but they also fear it.

From BBC

The practice was complicated for online providers by illicit marketplaces that popped up selling account passwords.

From Los Angeles Times

"This is often far too little time to make this decision - especially in the case of complicated and far-reaching legislation," the report stated.

From BBC

Mr Cook's older brother Chris Cook, 50, told the BBC the family were told the news just days after the 20th anniversary of his death and it raised complicated emotions.

From BBC

Within that range, the mileage cost is cheaper than diesel - although it's complicated when taking account other factors, such as higher capital costs, lower maintenance costs and the unclear impact of depreciation.

From BBC

Related Words

• arduous 
• convoluted 
• difficult 
• fancy 
• hard 
• intricate 
• knotty 
• perplexing 
• problematic 
• sophisticated 
• troublesome