rubegoldbergian

English

Alternative forms

• Rube Goldbergian

Etymology

From Rube Goldberg +‎ -ian.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ɹuːbɡəʊldˈbəːɡɪən/

Adjective

rubegoldbergian (comparative more rubegoldbergian, superlative most rubegoldbergian)

1. (Canada, US) Achieving a simple objective by absurdly complicated means; overcomplicated, elaborate and impractical. [from 20th c.]

   Synonym: Heath Robinsonesque

   • 2011, Steven Pinker, The Better Angels of Our Nature, Penguin, published 2012, page 633:

     The machinery of government is often rubegoldbergian, with complex arrangements of devolution and special status and power-sharing and affirmative action, and the contraption is held together by a few national symbols such as a rugby team.