gordian
UK[ˈɡɔː.di.ən]US[ˈɡɔːr.di.ən]
adj
Extremely intricate or complicated, and seemingly impossible to resolve.
Etymology
The term originates from the name Gordius, a legendary king of Phrygia. He tied an intricate knot (the Gordian knot) that an oracle prophesied would be undone only by the future ruler of Asia. According to legend, Alexander the Great solved the problem not by untying it but by cutting it with his sword. Thus, the adjective "Gordian" evolved to describe any problem of great complexity that requires a bold, decisive, and unconventional solution, shifting from a proper name to a common descriptive term.
Analysis
The word is a proper adjective derived from the name "Gordius". It is not productively formed from combinable English morphemes.
Examples
The negotiators faced a Gordian knot of conflicting regulations and interests.
Her innovative approach cut through the Gordian complexity of the software code.
The political crisis had become so Gordian that only a radical new policy could resolve it.