complication

noun

com·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌkäm-plə-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: complexity, intricacy

especially : a situation or a detail of character complicating the main thread of a plot

b

: a making difficult, involved, or intricate

c

: a complex or intricate feature or element

d

: a difficult factor or issue often appearing unexpectedly and changing existing plans, methods, or attitudes

2

: a secondary disease or condition developing in the course of a primary disease or condition

Synonyms

• complexity
• complicacy
• convolution
• difficulty
• intricacy

Examples of complication in a Sentence

The negotiations stalled when complications arose.

Pneumonia is a common complication of AIDS.

She experienced complications during her pregnancy.

The patient died of complications from surgery.

Recent Examples on the Web

Biden and Netanyahu's roughly 30-minute call just days after Israeli airstrikes killed seven food aid workers in Gaza added a new layer of complication to the leaders' increasingly strained relationship. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 5 Apr. 2024

That’s the backdrop for an intertwining mixture of Tucker family complications that concern Mama Portia, teenage daughter Nelly, older daughter Lillian and Lillian’s own daughter Lil’ Mama, the tween-age grandchild. —David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2024

More than 25 have reportedly died of complications linked to malnutrition, according to the World Health Organization. —Lauren Weber, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024

Bacterial pneumonia caused by S. pneumoniae and Legionella species has a high incidence of complications. —Tanya Feke, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2024

Cox would likely have to undergo a third C-section, which put her at risk of developing severe complications, including a uterine rupture. —Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2024

The most complications of Botox may include bruising or headaches, according to Zubritsky. —USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024

Yet several studies have since concluded that the Impella devices are associated with higher death rates than the balloon pumps — and with far more bleeding complications. —Christina Jewett, New York Times, 29 Mar. 2024

Taking too much fenugreek may result in complications, such as low blood sugar and liver toxicity.1 Side Effects of Fenugreek Fenugreek, either alone or with other herbs, may affect your stomach. —Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 24 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English complicacioun, borrowed from Late Latin complicātiōn-, complicātiō "folding together, conglomeration," from Latin complicāre "to fold together, fold up" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at complicate entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

complication

noun

com·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌkäm-plə-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: an act or instance of complicating something

b

: a situation or detail of character that complicates a plot

c

: a complex feature or element

d

: something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult

we were unable to agree when complications arose

2

: a disease or bodily condition existing at the same time as and affecting the course or severity of another disease or condition

Medical Definition

complication

noun

com·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌkäm-plə-ˈkā-shən 

: a secondary disease or condition that develops in the course of a primary disease or condition and arises either as a result of it or from independent causes