tricky

UK: /ˈtrɪki/ US: /ˈtrɪki/ ,(trik′ē)

Inflections of 'tricky' (adj):

trickier

adj comparative

trickiest

adj superlative

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

trick•y /ˈtrɪki/   adj. -i•er, -i•est. 

1. willing to use deceitful tricks:
   a tricky lawyer.
2. difficult because unreliable or uncooperative:
   a tricky light switch.
3. of or relating to clever or demanding motion or behavior:
   a tricky dance step.

trick•i•ly /ˈtrɪkəli/  adv. 
trick•i•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

trick•y  (trik′ē), adj., trick•i•er, trick•i•est. 

1. given to or characterized by deceitful tricks;
   crafty;
   wily.
2. skilled in clever tricks or dodges.
3. deceptive, uncertain, or difficult to deal with or handle.

• trick + -y¹ 1780–90

trick ′i•ly, adv. 
trick ′i•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. artful, sly, shrewd.
• 2. skillful, adroit.
• 3. doubtful, unpredictable, unreliable, perilous.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

tricky / ˈtrɪkɪ/ adjective (trickier, trickiest)

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

ˈtrickily adverb

ˈtrickiness noun