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⇱ TRICKY Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

tricky

American  
[trik-ee] / ˈtrɪk i /

adjective

trickier, trickiest

  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 British  
/ 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
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • trickily adverb
  • trickiness noun

Etymology

Origin of tricky

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Finding places that will keep both you and your toddler entertained can be tricky.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

There are also strict dollar limits on contributions and tricky rules regarding distributions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Here’s the tricky thing: The test could still show “observed risks” if you aren’t personally infected by a residential proxy network.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

They ultimately fell to Croatia on penalties in the knockout stage but, with a wealth of talent at their disposal, could prove tricky opponents at this summer's World Cup in North America.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

“Very tricky, Jenna. The answer, of course, is ‘diner.’

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.