noun
rigmarole
RIG-muh-rohl/ˈrɪɡmərəʊl/
A needlessly long and complicated course of action or explanation.
The applicant faces more rigmarole as he returns to the first tray.
Etymology
Apparently derived from ragman roll, a long list or catalogue, the word came to describe a rambling discourse and then foolish activity more generally.
In context
And somewhere in the rigmarole of that process, where they are learning, uh you thought you were good at your job.
More examples
- We go through the usual rigmarole before the bank approves our loan.
- Spare me the rigmarole and explain why you were late.
- Canceling the subscription involves a ridiculous rigmarole of calls and forms.
Forms
rigmarole · rigmaroles
Similar words
- red tape
- Specifically refers to excessive paperwork and official rules.
- hassle
- Emphasizes inconvenience and difficulty rather than length or complexity.