rubegoldbergian

English

Alternative forms

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.
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