Describing Complexity: English Vocabulary List

involving many different parts or elements that make something difficult to understand or deal with

"The machine is complicated."

"The instructions for assembling the furniture were so complicated that we had to watch a video tutorial online to understand them."

not clear or easily understood

"The directions are confusing."

"The map was confusing because the streets were not labeled clearly and we got lost several times while driving around the city."

needing a lot of work or skill to do, understand, or deal with

"The task is difficult."

"Learning a new language can be difficult at first but with regular practice you will improve quickly and gain confidence."

hard to understand or explain

"The clue is puzzling."

"Her sudden decision to quit her job was puzzling because everyone thought she was happy and successful in her position at work."

not involving difficulty in doing or understanding

"The recipe is simple."

"The solution to the math problem was actually quite simple once the teacher explained it step by step to the entire class."

needing little skill or effort to do or understand

"The test is easy."

"The exam was surprisingly easy and most of the students finished it early and left the room with smiles on their faces."

easy to comprehend or perform without any difficulties

"The instructions are straightforward."

"The instructions were straightforward so we did not need any help to assemble the new bookshelf in our living room yesterday."

clear and easy to understand

"The plan is uncomplicated."

"The procedure was uncomplicated and the patient recovered quickly without any side effects or complications after the surgery was completed successfully."

noticeable and easily understood

"The answer is obvious."

"The answer was so obvious that everyone felt embarrassed for not having figured it out much earlier than they actually did."

clear in meaning or expression

"Her speech was comprehensible."

"The professor spoke slowly and clearly so that his lecture would be comprehensible to the international students who were still learning the language."

clear enough to be easily understood

"The plan is transparent."

"The glass was completely transparent so we could see the beautiful garden on the other side of the window very clearly."