adjective
tricky
Difficult to manage or involving hidden problems.
Finding a parking spot on this narrow street is tricky.
Etymology
The deception-word takes -y to describe hidden complications. A tricky problem can catch someone out even when no person intends deceit.
More examples
- The contract contains a tricky clause about early cancellation.
- This recipe gets tricky when you add the hot milk.
- Getting both sides to agree is trickier than we expected.
Forms
tricky · trickier · trickiest
trickiness noun — The quality of being difficult to manage.
Similar words
- difficult
- Emphasizes effort or skill required, without suggesting hidden complications.
- complicated
- Emphasizes many connected parts rather than unexpected difficulties.
- delicate
- Emphasizes careful handling to avoid damage or offense.