# trickier

/ˈtɹɪkiɝ/ (US) · /tɹˈɪkiɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/trickier
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

more difficult to do or understand than something else. You use this when a task is not easy but you still have a chance of succeeding.

For teachers: more difficult or complex to manage or solve. The comparative form of 'tricky', often used to describe tasks that require more skill or caution.

## Examples

- The second part of the test is much trickier than the first.
- While the basic installation is straightforward, the final calibration is trickier because it requires precise measurements.
- Navigating the legal landscape of international patents is trickier than many inventors anticipate, as regional laws often conflict with one another in subtle ways.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.