What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overcomplicated
Example
The instructions for assembling the furniture were overcomplicated and confusing. [overcomplicated: adjective]
Example
She tends to overcomplicate things by adding unnecessary steps. [overcomplicate: verb]
complicated
Example
The math problem was too complicated for me to solve. [complicated: adjective]
Example
The situation is more complicated than it appears on the surface. [complicated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Complicated is more commonly used than overcomplicated in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and is more neutral in tone.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between overcomplicated and complicated?
Both overcomplicated and complicated can be used in formal and informal contexts, but complicated is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, while overcomplicated may be considered more informal or colloquial.
