1. the quality or state of being roundabout, indirect, or not following a direct path or course
Usage: uncountable noun; often used to describe routes, journeys, or methods that take longer than necessary
2. the quality of being evasive, unclear, or unnecessarily complicated in speech or writing
Usage: uncountable noun; often used critically to describe communication that avoids being straightforward

Examples

• The circuitousness of the hiking trail added an extra hour to our journey.
• The lawyer criticized the witness for the circuitousness of his answers.
• Due to road construction, we had to take a route of considerable circuitousness.
• The circuitousness of the bureaucratic process frustrated many applicants.
• Her explanation suffered from unnecessary circuitousness when a simple statement would have sufficed.
• The circuitousness of the river made it unsuitable for direct navigation.