imbroglio

[ im-brohl-yoh ]

noun

, plural im·bro·glios.

1. a misunderstanding, disagreement, etc., of a complicated or bitter nature, as between persons or nations.
2. an intricate and perplexing state of affairs; a complicated or difficult situation.
3. a confused heap.

imbroglio

/ ɪmˈbrəʊlɪˌəʊ /

noun

1. a confused or perplexing political or interpersonal situation
2. obsolete.
   a confused heap; jumble

Word History and Origins

Origin of imbroglio¹

1740–50; < Italian, derivative of imbrogliare to embroil

Word History and Origins

Origin of imbroglio¹

C18: from Italian, from imbrogliare to confuse, embroil

Example Sentences

As a member of the firm, he was enlisted to untangle corporate governance imbroglios at Bethlehem Steel, the Walt Disney Company, General Electric, General Motors, Macy’s, Tyco International and Westinghouse, among other companies.

From New York Times

The agency could use the resulting internet imbroglio to educate people about the best practices for off-road vehicles on public lands.

From Los Angeles Times

Sarcasm aside, it’s kind of incredible that “The Bachelor” franchise is being yanked back into this same doghouse for another mild imbroglio, this time courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter.

From Salon

While neither shooting, both of which took place in 2017, was a major imbroglio, their disclosure is notable.

From New York Times

On its face, the evolving imbroglio seemed like a decidedly simple issue to the temp, with an equally simple solution: by rights, the materials belonged to the surviving family members back in England.

From Salon

Related Words

• brouhaha
• entanglement
• quandary
• spat
• squabble