convoluted

American  

[kon-vuh-loo-tid] / ˈkɒn vəˌlu tɪd /

adjective

1. twisted; coiled.

2. complicated; intricately involved.

   a convoluted way of describing a simple device.

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convoluted British  

/ ˈkɒnvəˌluːtɪd /

adjective

1. (esp of meaning, style, etc) difficult to comprehend; involved

2. wound together; coiled

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Other Word Forms

• convolutedly adjective
• convolutedness noun
• unconvoluted adjective

Etymology

Origin of convoluted

First recorded in 1805–15; convolute + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Fortunately, Mr. Bailey’s overall message isn’t nearly so convoluted: Approach your daily activities with purpose, considering ways to maximize your desire and minimize your aversion.

From The Wall Street Journal

The routes of competing undersea cables are convoluted and geopolitically tangled.

From The Wall Street Journal

Thanks to our convoluted copyright laws in the U.S., the wait has been 95 years.

From Los Angeles Times

Tom Keatinge, director of the Centre for Finance and Security at Rusi, said western messaging about sanctions was convoluted and there were too many loopholes.

From BBC

Who said what and where to whom gets a bit convoluted at a time when voters' minds no doubt turn to Christmas.

From BBC

Related Words

• intricate
• labyrinthine
• perplexing
• puzzling
• tangled
• tortuous