Definition

Something that is made more complex than necessary, often causing confusion or difficulty in understanding.

Example

The instructions were overcomplicated, making it hard for anyone to follow them.

Conversation

I tried to follow that recipe you sent me, but it seemed really overcomplicated.

Yeah, some recipes have way too many steps for no reason.

Exactly! I just want something simple and tasty.

Same here, sometimes less is more in cooking.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To make something more complex than necessary, often by adding unnecessary details or features.

Example

The instructions were overcomplicated, making it hard for anyone to follow them.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I thought the project was straightforward, but I really overcomplicated it.

It's easy to do that when you're trying to be thorough.

Yeah, I should have just kept it simple from the start.

Root Explanation

Overcomplicated → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "complicate" (from Latin "complicare", meaning to fold together). The word "overcomplicated" means made excessively complex or intricate beyond what is necessary.

Memory Tip

Think of something being made 'excessively' ('over-') 'folded together' ('complicare') — that's why overcomplicated means too complex.

Visually Confused Words