Top 39 Slang For Complicated – Meaning & Usage

When things get complicated, it can feel like navigating a maze without a map. But fear not, because we’ve got your back! Our team has scoured the linguistic landscape to bring you a collection of slang terms that perfectly capture those moments when life gets a little tangled. So buckle up and get ready to unravel the mystery of expressing complexity in a cool and concise way!

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1. Complex

This word is used to describe something that is difficult to understand or analyze. It implies that there are many intricate parts or factors involved.

For example, in a math problem, a student might say, “This equation is so complex, I don’t even know where to start.”
In a discussion about a complicated relationship, someone might say, “The dynamics between them are really complex.”
A person struggling with a difficult task might exclaim, “This project is way too complex for me to handle on my own.”

2. Confusing

This word is used to describe something that causes confusion or bewilderment. It suggests that the subject is puzzling or hard to comprehend.

For instance, when trying to follow a complicated set of instructions, someone might say, “This is so confusing, I don’t know what to do next.”
In a conversation about a complex concept, a person might admit, “I find this topic really confusing.”
A student struggling with a difficult subject might complain, “This class is so confusing, I can’t keep up with the material.”

3. Involved

This word is used to describe something that requires a lot of effort, attention, or participation. It suggests that there are many details or components that need to be considered.

For example, when discussing a challenging project, someone might say, “This task is quite involved, we need to carefully plan each step.”
In a conversation about a complicated legal case, a person might comment, “The trial was highly involved, with many witnesses and evidence.”
A team member working on a complex assignment might state, “I’m fully involved in this project, working on multiple aspects.”

4. Knotty

This word is used to describe something that is difficult to solve or untangle. It implies that there are many interrelated factors or complications.

For instance, when faced with a difficult problem, someone might say, “This issue is so knotty, I don’t know how to approach it.”
In a discussion about a complex puzzle, a person might remark, “The solution to this riddle is quite knotty.”
A person struggling with a complicated decision might express, “I’m in a bit of a knotty situation, and I’m not sure what to do.”

5. Daunting

This word is used to describe something that is intimidating or overwhelming. It suggests that the task or situation is challenging and may require significant effort or courage.

For example, when faced with a difficult test, a student might say, “The amount of material to study is so daunting.”
In a conversation about a complex project, someone might admit, “The workload is quite daunting, but I’m determined to succeed.”
A person facing a challenging obstacle might declare, “The task ahead seems daunting, but I’m ready to tackle it head-on.”

6. Byzantine

This term refers to something that is extremely intricate, convoluted, or difficult to understand or navigate. It is often used to describe systems, processes, or situations that are overly complicated.

For example, “The tax code is so Byzantine that even experts struggle to interpret it.”
In a discussion about a complicated legal case, someone might say, “The Byzantine nature of this case makes it difficult to determine the truth.”
A person describing a complex relationship might say, “Their love triangle is a Byzantine mess.”

7. Gordian

This term is used to describe a problem or situation that is so complex or difficult that it seems impossible to solve or untangle. It refers to the legend of the Gordian Knot, which was a knot tied by King Gordius of Phrygia that was said to be impossible to untie.

For instance, “The Gordian nature of this puzzle has stumped even the brightest minds.”
In a discussion about a complicated math problem, someone might say, “This equation is a real Gordian knot.”
A person describing a difficult decision might say, “It feels like I’m facing a Gordian knot of choices.”

8. Perplexing

This term is used to describe something that is puzzling, confusing, or difficult to understand. It implies a sense of being bewildered or unsure about something.

For example, “The instructions for assembling this furniture are completely perplexing.”
In a discussion about a complicated scientific theory, someone might say, “I find quantum mechanics to be quite perplexing.”
A person describing a confusing situation might say, “The events leading up to the accident are still perplexing to investigators.”

9. Intricate

This term describes something that is highly detailed, complex, or elaborate. It often refers to objects, designs, or systems that require careful attention and precision.

For instance, “The lacework on her dress is incredibly intricate.”
In a discussion about a complicated piece of machinery, someone might say, “The inner workings of this engine are quite intricate.”
A person describing a complex puzzle might say, “The solution to this crossword is proving to be quite intricate.”

10. Thorny

This term is used to describe a problem, situation, or issue that is challenging, tricky, or difficult to navigate. It implies a sense of being prickly or thorny, like dealing with thorns on a plant.

For example, “The thorny issue of immigration reform has politicians divided.”
In a discussion about a complicated ethical dilemma, someone might say, “This is a thorny question with no easy answer.”
A person describing a difficult negotiation might say, “We’re facing some thorny issues in these contract negotiations.”

11. Puzzling

This word is used to describe something that is difficult to understand or figure out.

For example, “The professor’s lecture on quantum physics was puzzling.”
A person might say, “I find the instructions for this puzzle game to be really puzzling.”
In a conversation about a confusing situation, someone might say, “It’s all very puzzling to me.”

12. Troublesome

When something is troublesome, it means that it causes difficulty or problems.

For instance, “The faulty wiring in the house was causing troublesome electrical issues.”
A person might say, “I have a troublesome relationship with my neighbor.”
In a discussion about a challenging task, someone might say, “This project has been quite troublesome to complete.”

13. Complexed

This term is used to describe something that is intricate or difficult to understand.

For example, “The math problem was so complexed that I couldn’t solve it.”
A person might say, “I find the rules of this board game to be very complexed.”
In a conversation about a complicated situation, someone might say, “I’m feeling really complexed about this decision.”

14. Involute

Involute is used to describe something that is complex or convoluted.

For instance, “The plot of the movie was so involute that I had a hard time following it.”
A person might say, “The involution of this mystery novel kept me hooked until the end.”
In a discussion about a complex problem, someone might say, “The solution to this equation is quite involute.”

15. Labyrinthine

This word is used to describe something that is like a labyrinth, meaning it is intricate and confusing.

For example, “The layout of the city streets was labyrinthine and difficult to navigate.”
A person might say, “The instructions for assembling this furniture are labyrinthine.”
In a conversation about a confusing situation, someone might say, “The legal process can be labyrinthine and overwhelming.”

16. Serpentine

This word is used to describe something that is complex, intricate, or difficult to understand. It often refers to a situation or problem that is filled with twists and turns.

For example, “The plot of the movie was serpentine, with unexpected twists at every corner.”
In a discussion about a complicated legal case, someone might say, “The arguments presented were serpentine, making it hard to follow.”
A person describing a complicated relationship might say, “Their love story was serpentine, with many ups and downs.”

17. Complicated

This word is used to describe something that is difficult, intricate, or not easily understood. It often refers to a situation, task, or concept that requires a lot of effort or thought to navigate.

For instance, “The instructions for assembling the furniture were complicated and confusing.”
In a conversation about a difficult math problem, someone might say, “The solution is complicated and requires advanced knowledge.”
A person describing their emotions might say, “My feelings towards them are complicated, with a mix of love and resentment.”

18. Convoluted

This word is used to describe something that is complex, confusing, or twisted. It often refers to a situation, story, or explanation that is difficult to follow or understand.

For example, “The plot of the novel was convoluted, with multiple timelines and hidden motives.”
In a discussion about a complicated government policy, someone might say, “The regulations are convoluted and hard to decipher.”
A person describing a complicated plan might say, “The strategy is convoluted, with many steps and dependencies.”

19. Daedalian

This word is used to describe something that is intricate, complex, or skillfully designed. It often refers to a work of art, a piece of technology, or a problem-solving approach that demonstrates great creativity and ingenuity.

For instance, “The architecture of the cathedral was daedalian, with intricate details and innovative construction.”
In a conversation about a complicated puzzle, someone might say, “The solution requires a daedalian approach, thinking outside the box.”
A person describing a complicated invention might say, “The design is daedalian, combining multiple functionalities in a compact form.”

20. Knotted

This word is used to describe something that is twisted, tangled, or intricately connected. It often refers to a problem, situation, or relationship that is difficult to unravel or resolve.

For example, “The plot of the mystery novel was knotted, with multiple suspects and hidden clues.”
In a discussion about a complicated family dynamic, someone might say, “The relationships are knotted, with unresolved conflicts.”
A person describing a complicated problem might say, “The issue is knotted, with many intertwined factors that need to be addressed.”

21. Baffling

This word is used to describe something that is difficult to understand or figure out.

For example, “The instructions for assembling this furniture are baffling.”
A person might say, “The plot of that movie was so baffling, I couldn’t follow it.”
Another might comment, “The math problem was completely baffling, I had no idea how to solve it.”

22. Problematic

This word is used to describe something that presents challenges or difficulties.

For instance, “The new policy is problematic because it unfairly targets certain groups.”
A person might say, “The relationship between the two countries is problematic due to historical conflicts.”
Another might comment, “The lack of funding is causing problematic issues for the organization.”

23. Tortuous

This word is used to describe something that is excessively complicated or convoluted.

For example, “The legal process can be tortuous and overwhelming.”
A person might say, “The instructions for assembling this furniture are tortuous.”
Another might comment, “The plot of that book was so tortuous, I couldn’t follow it.”

24. Complicado

This is the Spanish word for “complicated” and is used in the same way to describe something that is complex or difficult to understand or deal with.

For instance, “La situación es muy complicada” (The situation is very complicated).
A person might say, “El problema de matemáticas es complicado” (The math problem is complicated).
Another might comment, “La relación entre ellos es complicada” (The relationship between them is complicated).

25. Elaborate

This word is used to describe something that is highly detailed or intricate.

For example, “The wedding decorations were elaborate and beautiful.”
A person might say, “The plan for the project is quite elaborate.”
Another might comment, “The costume design in the play was incredibly elaborate.”

26. Entangled

This term is used to describe something that is intricately or confusingly connected or mixed up.

For example, “The plot of the movie was so entangled that I couldn’t keep track of the characters.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “Their love lives are so entangled, it’s hard to keep up.”
A person describing a difficult problem might say, “I’m trying to untangle this mess of wires, but it’s so entangled.”

27. Hard to follow

This phrase is used to describe something that is not easily understood or comprehended.

For instance, “The professor’s lecture was hard to follow because he jumped from one topic to another.”
In a conversation about a complex book, someone might say, “The author’s writing style makes it hard to follow the storyline.”
A person describing a confusing set of instructions might say, “The steps are hard to follow because they’re not clearly explained.”

28. Hard to understand

This phrase is used to describe something that is not easily comprehended or understood.

For example, “The scientific research paper was hard to understand due to its technical language.”
In a discussion about a complex concept, someone might say, “The theory is hard to understand without a background in physics.”
A person describing a confusing piece of artwork might say, “The artist’s intention is hard to understand because of the abstract nature of the piece.”

29. Labored

This term is used to describe something that requires a lot of effort or is difficult to accomplish.

For instance, “The hiker’s labored breathing indicated the difficulty of the climb.”
In a conversation about a complex task, someone might say, “The labored process of assembling the furniture took hours.”
A person describing a challenging job might say, “The construction worker’s job is physically labored and requires strength.”

30. Tangled

This term is used to describe something that is twisted or knotted together, often in a messy or complicated manner.

For example, “Her hair was so tangled that it took hours to brush.”
In a discussion about a complex problem, someone might say, “The issue is so tangled that it’s hard to find a solution.”
A person describing a confusing relationship might say, “Their emotions are tangled up, and it’s hard to untangle the mess.”

31. Fancy

This term is used to describe something that is complex or intricate in nature. It can refer to a situation, an object, or even a person’s behavior.

For example, “The instructions for assembling this furniture are really fancy.”
In a conversation about fashion, someone might say, “Her outfit is so fancy, I could never pull it off.”
A person describing a difficult recipe might say, “This dish may look fancy, but it’s actually quite simple to make.”

32. Fiddly

This slang term is used to describe something that is fussy or challenging to work with. It often implies that the task requires careful attention to detail and precision.

For instance, “The tiny screws on this device are so fiddly, it’s hard to assemble.”
In a discussion about crafting, someone might say, “Embroidery can be fiddly, but the end result is worth it.”
A person complaining about a finicky gadget might say, “The buttons on this remote control are so fiddly, it’s frustrating to use.”

33. Hard

This is a simple and straightforward term used to describe something that is not easy. It can refer to a task, a concept, or even a person’s personality.

For example, “Learning a new language can be hard.”
In a conversation about a difficult math problem, someone might say, “This equation is really hard.”
A person describing a stubborn individual might say, “He’s a hard person to work with.”

34. Prolix

Prolix is a term used to describe something, usually written or spoken, that is unnecessarily lengthy or verbose. It implies that the content could be more concise and to the point.

For instance, “The professor’s lectures are often prolix, making it hard to stay focused.”
In a discussion about legal documents, someone might say, “The contract was so prolix, it took forever to read.”
A person criticizing a book might say, “The author’s writing style is unnecessarily prolix, making the story drag.”

35. Raveled

This slang term is used to describe something that is intricate, tangled, or confusing. It often refers to a situation or a problem that is difficult to unravel or understand.

For example, “The plot of the movie was so raveled, it was hard to follow.”
In a conversation about a complicated relationship, someone might say, “Their history is so raveled, it’s difficult to untangle.”
A person describing a complex puzzle might say, “This jigsaw puzzle is really raveled, it’s going to take a while to solve.”

36. Sophisticated

This word is used to describe something that is complex or intricate, often in a positive or refined way. It can also refer to someone who is knowledgeable or cultured.

For example, “She has a sophisticated taste in art.”
A fashion enthusiast might say, “That dress has a sophisticated design.”
In a discussion about literature, someone might comment, “The writing in that novel is very sophisticated.”

37. Vexed

When something is vexed, it means it is causing confusion or difficulty. It can also refer to a person who is annoyed or frustrated.

For instance, “The instructions for assembling the furniture were vexed.”
In a conversation about a complex problem, someone might say, “It’s a vexed issue with no easy solution.”
A person might express their frustration by saying, “I’m feeling vexed by this math problem.”

38. Daedal

Daedal is an uncommon word that means intricate or complex. It is often used to describe something that is skillfully crafted or designed.

For example, “The daedal artwork on the ceiling was breathtaking.”
In a discussion about architecture, someone might comment, “The daedal details of the building are impressive.”
A person might describe a challenging puzzle as “daedal.”

39. Tricky

Tricky is a word used to describe something that is difficult or complicated. It can also refer to a situation that is deceptive or hard to navigate.

For instance, “The math problem was tricky to solve.”
In a conversation about a challenging game, someone might say, “Level 10 is really tricky.”
A person might warn others by saying, “Be careful, that path is tricky to navigate.”