Dictionary

rubegoldbergian en · ADJ

Pronunciation

• /ɹuːbɡəʊldˈbəːɡɪən/ (UK)

Etymology

From Rube Goldberg + -ian.

Meanings

1. (Canada, US) Achieving a simple objective by absurdly complicated means; overcomplicated, elaborate and impractical.
   • 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. 2011, Steven Pinker, The Better Angels of Our Nature, Penguin, published 2012, page 633:

Forms

Synonyms

Goldbergian · Heath Robinsonesque