Word
convoluted
Phoneticscon·vo·lut·ed, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɑnvəˌɫutəd/
UK/kˌɒnvəlˈuːtɪd/
Definition
adj. extremely complicated and difficult to follow. You use this to describe things like stories, rules, or paths that have too many twists and turns.
adj. extremely complex and difficult to follow; having many overlapping folds or twists. Often used to describe abstract concepts like logic or bureaucracy, though it retains its literal sense in biological descriptions.
Examples
“The plot of the movie was so convoluted that I got lost.”
“The legal process for applying for a visa was so convoluted that many applicants had to hire a lawyer.”
“The philosopher's argument was so convoluted that even his most dedicated students struggled to identify the core premise amidst the layers of historical references and technical jargon.”
Examples
simple
“The plot of the movie was so convoluted that I got lost.”
contextual
“The legal process for applying for a visa was so convoluted that many applicants had to hire a lawyer.”
complex
“The philosopher's argument was so convoluted that even his most dedicated students struggled to identify the core premise amidst the layers of historical references and technical jargon.”
Usage
Typically used as a predicative adjective after linking verbs like 'be', 'become', or 'seem', or as an attributive adjective before a noun.
Real-World Examples
“As she enters, another man runs out – a climate activist with a rather convoluted grudge.” “Normally, I would tell my hosts what I had dreamt the previous night, tossing one more convoluted narrative into the pot of dreams they would share with each other over breakfast.” Etymology
From convolute + -d.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/convoluted