What does thorny mean?
Thorny is an adjective meaning difficult, contentious, or troublesome to handle, as in a thorny issue or a thorny question. Its figurative use suggests that a problem has sharp, potentially painful complications and cannot be resolved easily. The word can also be used literally for something covered with or characterized by thorns, although this sense is less frequent in everyday speech. In formal writing, thorny is valued for its vivid suggestion of discomfort and conflict without implying that the situation is impossible to solve. Its origin in the physical sharpness of a thorn makes it particularly effective when describing political disputes, ethical dilemmas, technical problems, and other matters that resist simple answers. The word is used in both British and American English and is commonly heard in professional, academic, and journalistic contexts.
adjectiveCovered with or characterized by thorns. Figuratively, thorny describes a matter that is difficult, contentious, or troublesome to handle.
- Difficult, contentious, or troublesome to handle.
- Covered with or characterized by thorns.
"The committee addressed the thorny issue of how the new policy should be funded."
"The negotiations reached a thorny question of ownership that neither delegation wanted to discuss."
"The old path was narrow and thorny, with branches catching at their clothes."
Thorny began with the image of a prickly plant and grew into a useful warning label for problems that are painful to handle.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does thorny come from?
Thorny is an English adjective formed from thorn with the suffix -y, meaning covered with or characterized by something. Its underlying noun, thorn, comes from Old English þorn, referring to a sharp prickle on a plant. Related English forms include thornless, describing something without thorns, and thornbill, a bird whose beak or features may evoke the sharpness of a thorn.
Related word forms
How thorny is actually used
The figurative sense is far more common in modern usage. Thorny often suggests a problem that is complicated, sensitive, or resistant to easy resolution; it is generally formal but widely understood.
Easily confused with thorny
A thorn is a sharp plant spine or prickle, while thorny is an adjective describing something covered with thorns or presenting figurative difficulties.