adjective
complicated
Having many connected parts that make something difficult to understand or handle.
The complicated application process requires several forms and two interviews.
Etymology
The Latin verb pictures folding things together. Complicated transfers those overlapping folds to connected details that are difficult to separate, follow, or manage.
More examples
- Their relationship grows complicated when they start working together.
- The diagram makes a complicated wiring system easier to understand.
- Even a simple recipe becomes complicated with too many substitutions.
Forms
complicated · more complicated · most complicated
complicate verb — To make something harder to understand or handle.
complication noun — An added difficulty that makes something harder.