tricky

American  

[trik-ee] / ˈtrɪk i /

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

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tricky British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• trickily adverb
• trickiness noun

Etymology

Origin of tricky

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

Example Sentences

His chance at an Olympic medal came down to a much trickier challenge: remembering to put the verb at the end of a sentence.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s tricky to control what heirs do with your money; however, you can prevent them from ever owning your estate outright.

From MarketWatch

It can be tricky to make a rented place feel like home on a tight budget - but some talented tenants have achieved maximum style at minimal cost.

From BBC

Scotland's modest total was looking to be more tricky than England would have liked as they crawled to 54-2 off eight overs in reply.

From Barron's

The Broadbents also occasionally order takeaways instead of going out to try to save cash, though Vicki says portions are smaller than they used to be, making value for money tricky to find.

From BBC

Related Words

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