tricky
TRIHK-ee
Tricky (adj) means Difficult to handle or figure out because of hidden complications. Example: “Fixing this old radio is tricky because the wires are so tiny.”
adj
1
Difficult to handle or figure out because of hidden complications.
"Fixing this old radio is tricky because the wires are so tiny."
"Parking here is tricky because the street signs are so confusing."
"It was a tricky question with no obvious right answer."
2
Skilled at deceiving or cheating people.
"Be careful with that tricky salesman, who always hides extra charges in the small print."
"The fox in the fable was a tricky creature who fooled every animal."
"He has a reputation as a tricky negotiator."
How to use tricky
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot straightforward — either a situation that's hard to manage, or a person who's crafty and deceptive.
Common pairings
a tricky situation
tricky question
tricky customer
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Word forms
- Comparative
- trickier
- Superlative
- trickiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Fixing this old radio is _____ because the wires are so tiny.
Etymology
From trick plus the adjective ending -y.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for tricky
See all rhymes for tricky →Frequently asked questions
What does “tricky” mean?
The word “tricky” means difficult to handle or figure out because of hidden complications. In plain terms, not straightforward — either a situation that's hard to manage, or a person who's crafty and deceptive.
How do you pronounce “tricky”?
“Tricky” is pronounced TRIHK-ee (/ˈtɹɪk.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “tricky” in a sentence?
Here is “tricky” used in a sentence: “Parking here is tricky because the street signs are so confusing.”
What part of speech is “tricky”?
“Tricky” is an adjective.
Is “tricky” a common word?
“Tricky” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “tricky” have?
“Tricky” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: difficult to handle or figure out because of hidden complications.
What is the difference between 'tricky' and 'difficult'?
'Difficult' simply means hard to do or deal with. 'Tricky' means difficult in a particular way, because of hidden complications or pitfalls that require care and skill to handle. A task can be difficult because it is big, but tricky because it is deceptive or fiddly.
What is the difference between 'tricky' and 'complicated'?
'Complicated' describes something with many interconnected parts that is hard to understand. 'Tricky' describes something that is awkward to handle and can catch you out if you are not careful. A problem can be complicated without being tricky, and tricky without being especially complicated.
Can 'tricky' describe a person?
Yes. Applied to a person, 'tricky' usually means cunning, sly, or skilled at deceiving others, as in 'a tricky customer.' This differs from describing a task as tricky, which means awkward or fiddly. Context makes clear which meaning is intended.
Is 'tricky' formal or informal?
'Tricky' is fairly informal and conversational, common in everyday speech and casual writing. In formal contexts, words like 'challenging,' 'delicate,' or 'problematic' are often preferred. It carries a slightly relaxed, understated tone.
