tricky

Tricky is an English adjective used to describe something that is difficult to handle, solve, or complete, often because it requires careful planning, skill, or a nuanced approach. It can also describe a person or situation that is sly, deceitful, or unpredictable. Examples include a tricky math problem, a tricky customer, or a tricky negotiation that depends on subtle concessions.

Originating from the noun trick, the suffix -y forms an adjective indicating a characteristic related to tricks. The sense of needing caution or cunning has been in use since early modern English, and contemporary usage commonly extends to problems, situations, or people that are not straightforward.

Usage notes: Tricky is informal and widespread in spoken English; in formal writing, more precise terms such as difficult, complex, or delicate may be preferred. It frequently pairs with words like situation, question, problem, task, or maneuver, and can describe someone who uses sly or evasive tactics.

Examples: “The last part of the project was tricky but solvable with careful planning.” “Negotiating with that vendor proved tricky because terms kept changing.”

Related terms include difficult, challenging, sly, and deceptive; tricky carries a nuance of ambiguity or risk.