Complicated
Adjective
UK
/ˈkɒm.plɪ.keɪ.tɪd/
US
/ˈkɑːm.plɪ.keɪ.tɪd/
Definition
Difficult to understand, deal with, or solve because of many parts or rules.
Example
"The problem is complicated."
"This machine is complicated because it has so many buttons and settings."
"Relationships can be complicated when misunderstandings and differences in opinions start to grow."
Explanation
Complicated means something is difficult to understand, do, or deal with because it has many parts or rules. For example, a math problem with many steps can be complicated. A machine with buttons, wires, and switches can also be complicated. Relationships can feel complicated if people have different feelings or misunderstandings. Complicated is similar to complex, but it usually focuses on the challenge of understanding or solving something rather than just having many parts.