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
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
Seymour saw the relatability in that complication, too.
—
Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 13 Dec. 2025
Another complication is that the radome needs to be transparent to radar signals.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 13 Dec. 2025
Others, like former Late Night host David Letterman, also floated the idea that the series may have been axed in order to minimize complications with the Federal Communications Commission over Paramount’s merger with Skydance media group.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Dec. 2025
And though the dial may draw them in, the timepiece will also keep their attention thanks to its moonphase and date complication at 6 o’clock—giving them a peek of the starry night sky.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complication
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Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 13 Dec. 2025
Another complication is that the radome needs to be transparent to radar signals.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 13 Dec. 2025
Others, like former Late Night host David Letterman, also floated the idea that the series may have been axed in order to minimize complications with the Federal Communications Commission over Paramount’s merger with Skydance media group.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Dec. 2025
And though the dial may draw them in, the timepiece will also keep their attention thanks to its moonphase and date complication at 6 o’clock—giving them a peek of the starry night sky.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complication
Cite this Entry
“Complication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complication. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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