tricky

[ trik-ee ]
See synonyms for: trickytrickilytrickiness on Thesaurus.com

adjective,trick·i·er, trick·i·est.
  1. given to or characterized by deceitful tricks; crafty; wily.

  2. skilled in clever tricks or dodges.

  1. deceptive, uncertain, or difficult to deal with or handle.

Origin of tricky

1
First recorded in 1780–90; trick + -y1

Other words for tricky

Other words from tricky

  • trick·i·ly, adverb
  • trick·i·ness, noun

Words Nearby tricky

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use tricky in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for tricky

tricky

/ (ˈtrɪkɪ) /


adjectivetrickier or trickiest
  1. involving snags or difficulties: a tricky job

  2. needing careful and tactful handling: a tricky situation

  1. characterized by tricks; sly; wily: a tricky dealer

Derived forms of tricky

  • trickily, adverb
  • trickiness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012