complicated

complicated — adjective

1. involving many connected parts, which makes something hard to understand or figu

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

involving many connected parts, which makes something hard to understand or figure out — for example, a complicated machine, a complicated rule, or a complicated problem

Example

The new printer's instructions were so complicated that Ravi asked a colleague for help.

so + adjective + that-clause pattern

At first glance, the subway map looked complicated, but Leila learned to use it quickly.

Common collocations
  • complicated + system / process / procedure / rules / instructions
  • complicated + problem / question / issue / matter
  • complicated + machine / device / software
Synonyms
  • complex

    more neutral and technical; 'complex' suggests a system whose parts fit together naturally, while 'complicated' often carries frustration

  • intricate

    emphasizes fine detail and careful arrangement; often used admiringly ('an intricate design')

  • involved

    suggests unnecessary or excessive complexity ('an unnecessarily involved process')

  • elaborate

    focuses on having many carefully planned parts, not necessarily hard to understand

Antonyms
  • simple

    having few parts that are easy to understand

  • straightforward

    easy to understand because there are no confusing steps

Grammar Patterns

a + complicated + noun

be + complicated

get / become + complicated

so + complicated + that-clause

Usage Note

Common with the adverb 'so' in a that-clause to express a strong result: so complicated that...

Common Mistakes

The problem is very complicate.
The problem is very complicated.
'Complicate' is a verb; add -d to make the adjective form.
It is a complicate machine.
It is a complicated machine.
The adjective form 'complicated' must be used before nouns, not the verb 'complicate.'
This rule is more complicater than that one.
This rule is more complicated than that one.
Use 'more' + adjective for comparison, never '-er' with multi-syllable adjectives.

2. difficult to understand or deal with because feelings, relationships, or persona

2.adjectiveB1
Definition

difficult to understand or deal with because feelings, relationships, or personal situations are involved — for example, a complicated relationship, a complicated person, or a complicated family situation

Example

Diego's relationship with his parents became more complicated after he moved abroad.

Nadia described her feelings as complicated and refused to explain them further.

collocation: describe + as + complicated

Common collocations
  • complicated + relationship / marriage / family situation / friendship
  • complicated + feelings / emotions / history / past
  • complicated + character / personality / person
  • a complicated + situation / affair / matter
Synonyms
  • difficult

    broader in meaning; does not specifically suggest emotional complexity

  • messy

    informal; emphasizes confusion and lack of order in a personal situation

  • tricky

    suggests a situation is hard to handle because it requires care and sensitivity

  • delicate

    suggests a situation could easily become worse if not handled carefully

Antonyms
  • simple

    involving no hidden emotions or difficult personal factors

  • straightforward

    easy to understand or resolve because feelings are clear

Grammar Patterns

be + complicated

become / get + complicated

a + complicated + noun (relationship / person / situation)

Usage Note

This sense often describes relationships, feelings, or people's personalities. It typically appears after linking verbs like 'be,' 'become,' 'grow,' and 'feel.' The person or situation is not necessarily bad, but simply not simple or easy to categorize.

Common Mistakes

I have a complicate relationship with my brother.
I have a complicated relationship with my brother.
Same verb/adjective confusion as sense 1.
She is complicate.
She is complicated.
Always use the -ed form for the adjective.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe something that is hard to understand, but each brings a different angle. COMPLICATED (B1, the most common) focuses on many parts that interact in confusing ways: 'a complicated visa application.' COMPLEX (B2) is more neutral and technical — it describes a system with many interconnected parts without suggesting frustration: 'a complex ecosystem.' INTRICATE (C1) highlights fine detail and careful arrangement, often with admiration: 'an intricate pattern on the ceiling.' INVOLVED (B2) hints at unnecessary or excessive complexity: 'an unnecessarily involved approval process.' CONVOLUTED (C1) criticizes something as twisted and overly elaborate: 'a convoluted plot that no one could follow.' For everyday situations, complicated is the safest choice. Use complex for systems, intricate for details you admire, and convoluted when you want to show frustration.

complexintricateinvolved ↗convoluted

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • make things complicated
  • get complicated
  • become complicated
  • complicate matters

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'complicated' comes from the Latin verb 'complicare', which means 'to fold together'. It is made of two parts: 'com-' (together) and 'plicare' (to fold). The original idea was of something with many parts folded or twisted together, like a piece of cloth that has been folded many times. English borrowed the word through French in the 1600s, and it gradually took on the broader meaning of anything that is difficult to understand because its parts are tightly connected.