complicated
The instructions for assembling the furniture were so complicated that I needed help.
The instructions were hard to follow because they had too many steps.
Consisting of many interconnected parts or factors; intricate or elaborate.
The plot of the novel is deliberately complicated to keep readers engaged.
The story has many twists to make it interesting.
Often used to describe systems, problems, or explanations that are not straightforward.
Emotionally or socially difficult to navigate.
Their relationship became too complicated after the argument.
Their relationship got messy after the fight.
Common in discussions about personal relationships or social dynamics.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Avoid redundancy
Don't pair 'complicated' with 'very' or 'extremely'—it's already a strong word. Instead, use 'highly complicated' or 'extremely complex' for emphasis.
Gold Rule
Use 'complicated' for tangibles
Reserve 'complicated' for physical objects, systems, or processes (e.g., 'a complicated device'). Use 'complex' for abstract ideas (e.g., 'a complex idea').
Word Origin
From Latin *complicatus*, past participle of *complicare* (to fold together), from *com-* (together) + *plicare* (to fold). Entered English in the 17th century with the sense of 'folded together' before evolving to mean 'intricate' or 'hard to understand'.
Usage Notes
Avoid using 'complicated' to describe people unless referring to their emotional state or social interactions. Prefer 'complex' for abstract systems (e.g., 'a complex theory') and 'complicated' for tangible difficulties (e.g., 'a complicated machine').