convoluted

[kon-vuh-loo-tid]

adjective

1. twisted; coiled.

2. complicated; intricately involved.

   a convoluted way of describing a simple device.

convoluted

/ ˈkɒnvəˌluːtɪd /

adjective

1. (esp of meaning, style, etc) difficult to comprehend; involved

2. wound together; coiled

Other Word Forms

• convolutedness noun
• convolutedly adjective
• unconvoluted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of convoluted¹

First recorded in 1805–15; convolute + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Silver acknowledged that the convoluted format used this year “was a miss.”

From Los Angeles Times

However, there is also a feeling that the proposals are too convoluted and a 12-team top tier does not provide enough 'best v best'.

From BBC

Not to dive too deep into the convoluted immigration system, but these are civilian legal positions, another possible violation of the Posse Comitatus Act, VanLandingham points out.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Odhiambo highlighted other issues that plagued the "convoluted case," including conflicting forensic reports submitted by different pathologists.

From BBC

The book depicts her as being in an endless loop of binge spending, debt and then convoluted deals, sponsorships and freebies, to try to get her finances on track, before the cycle begins again.

From BBC

Related Words

• intricate 
• labyrinthine 
• perplexing 
• puzzling 
• tangled 
• tortuous