tricky

Definition

Hard to deal with, complicated.

Etymology

From trick + -y.

Example Sentences

• "They were in a tricky situation."
• "Several types of diesel locomotive have been tested on this working and as a result the probable choice will be Type 2 diesels in pairs, without bankers. The crucial factor in the selection of this method is the higher degree of adhesion obtained than with a single Type 4; on trial one of the latter showed that in very adverse conditions it might slip to a standstill at one of the two tricky spots on the steep climb from Tyne Dock to Consett."
• ""The trickiest we ever get," he continued, "is in the short-answer questions like, 'Why do you want to come to the University of Chicago?' or, 'What books have you read?'"

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