Imbroglio

usgb/ɪmˈbrəʊliəʊ/
noun

A complicated situation or misunderstanding where everyone is confused and doesn't know what to do.

After the mishap with the missing documents, the management found themselves in quite the imbroglio.
Visual representation of "imbroglio" - A complicated situation or misunderstanding where everyone is confused and doesn't know what to do.

Often appears as...

  • political imbroglio
  • diplomatic imbroglio

Usage tips

Formal

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "imbroglio"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Confusion Reigns

Use 'imbroglio' when multiple people are confused and there's no clear direction.

Illustration for Confusion Reigns
The scheduling overlap created an imbroglio among the event planners.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Just Errors

'Imbroglio' implies a knotted situation, not just a simple mistake or error.

Illustration for Not Just Errors
What started as a small typo led to a full-blown contractual imbroglio.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Serious Conflicts

It often denotes serious misunderstandings, not everyday conflicts.

Illustration for Serious Conflicts
The miscommunication between the countries escalated into a diplomatic imbroglio.
Visual representation of the word "Imbroglio"

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