complicated

[ˈkɒmplɪkeɪtɪd]

[ˈkɑmplɪkeɪtɪd]

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Something complicated is difficult to understand or deal with because it has many confusing parts.

When we use the word "complicated", we usually mean that something involves a lot of complex ideas, events, or feelings. We might describe a situation as complicated when there are many different factors at play and it's hard to know what to do next. For example, if you're trying to plan a wedding for your best friend, and there are disagreements between the couple about how the ceremony should be organized, that could be a complicated situation. Or maybe you're working on a project at school and you have many different tasks to complete, each with its own challenges, then that project is likely complicated too.

How common is "complicated"?

Word complicated is considered uncommon in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

verb

To make complex; to modify so as to make something intricate or difficult.
To involve in a convoluted matter.
Example: Don't complicate yourself in issues that are beyond the scope of your understanding.

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embroilentangleintricatemiremix up

adjective

Difficult or convoluted.
Example: It seems this complicated situation will not blow over soon.
Folded longitudinally (as in the wings of certain insects).

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simple