tricky

[trik-ee]

adjective

trickier, trickiest 

1. given to or characterized by deceitful tricks; crafty; wily.

   Synonyms: shrewd, sly, artful

2. skilled in clever tricks or dodges.

   Synonyms: adroit, skillful

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

   Synonyms: perilous, unreliable, unpredictable, doubtful

tricky

/ ˈtrɪkɪ /

adjective

1. involving snags or difficulties

   a tricky job

2. needing careful and tactful handling

   a tricky situation

3. characterized by tricks; sly; wily

   a tricky dealer

Other Word Forms

• trickily adverb
• trickiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tricky¹

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

Example Sentences

Where England might turn if the batting continues to fail is a tricky question.

Read more on BBC

Each country has their own regulations and licenses that govern telecommunications services, which can be tricky and time-consuming to navigate.

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In a market where opacity is the whole point, it is also a tricky feat.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"Some bits felt actually OK, some bits felt just shockingly slippery and difficult to manage, to control the car. So, even more satisfied with the end result because of how tricky it was out there."

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Still, while it may be tricky, they say there are signs listeners can be alert to.

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Related Words

• complex 
• critical 
• delicate 
• intricate 
• knotty 
• precarious 
• problematic 
• risky 
• rocky 
• sensitive 
• sticky 
• thorny 
• ticklish 
• touchy 
• unstable