tricky

[ trik-ee ]

adjective

, trick·i·er, trick·i·est.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈtrickiness, noun
• ˈtrickily, adverb

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tricky¹

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

Example Sentences

England are still trying find that sweet spot and master a tricky tactic.

From BBC

Yet it was a tricky line to walk, and, in hindsight, perhaps even naive to believe the attraction could stand apart from a film that has long been out of circulation.

From Los Angeles Times

Assessing the impact of the UK's decision to leave the EU on the economy has been tricky given the multiple economic shocks in recent years.

From BBC

It means that if the Scots are in pot three they could face a tricky route to a first World Cup in what will be 28 years by the time the tournament rolls around.

From BBC

All of these factors make forecasting this zone of potentially disruptive snow very tricky - and this uncertainty is likely to stay in weather forecasts until the day before any snow is due to hit.

From BBC

Related Words

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