What does hairier mean?
“Hairier” is the comparative form of “hairy.” In its literal sense, it describes something with more hair than another thing: a person may look hairier in winter, or a pet may become hairier after months of neglect. In informal English, “hairier” can also describe a situation as more complicated, difficult, or troublesome, as in “a hairier problem.” This figurative use is an extension of the idea that something hairy is awkward, unwieldy, or hard to manage. The word is used in British and American English and is formed in the regular way by adding the comparative ending to “hairy.” It is useful because it expresses gradation clearly without requiring a separate vocabulary item, while its informal figurative meaning adds color to descriptions of difficult tasks or problems.
adjectiveHaving a greater amount of hair than something else; more hairy. Informal also means more difficult, complicated, or troublesome.
- Having more hair than something else.
- Informally, more difficult, complicated, or troublesome than something else.
"The winter coat made the back of the chair hairier than usual."
"The dog became noticeably hairier after several months outdoors."
"Negotiating the new regulations has become a hairier task than expected."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How hairier is actually used
“Hairier” is standard in formal and informal English. Its figurative sense, as in “a hairier problem,” is especially common in speech and informal writing; in formal contexts, “more complicated” or “more difficult” may be clearer.
Easily confused with hairier
“Hairy” is the base adjective, while “hairier” is its comparative form, meaning “more hairy” or, informally, “more complicated or troublesome.”