rubegoldbergian
English edit
Alternative forms edit
Etymology edit
From Rube Goldberg + -ian.
Pronunciation edit
Adjective edit
rubegoldbergian (comparative more rubegoldbergian, superlative most rubegoldbergian)
- (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.