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
While most recover, some — particularly young babies, pregnant people and those with weak immune systems — are at higher risk of developing dangerous complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness or even death.
—
Devi Shastri, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
While most recover, some — including young babies, pregnant people and those with weak immune systems — are at higher risk of developing dangerous complications like pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness or even dying.
—Devi Shastri, Fortune, 20 June 2026
Fierro died in 2020 at age 91 from complications related to COVID-19.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026
Manager Craig Counsell echoed that concern while discussing the importance of avoiding additional complications.
—Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for complication
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Devi Shastri, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
While most recover, some — including young babies, pregnant people and those with weak immune systems — are at higher risk of developing dangerous complications like pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness or even dying.
—Devi Shastri, Fortune, 20 June 2026
Fierro died in 2020 at age 91 from complications related to COVID-19.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026
Manager Craig Counsell echoed that concern while discussing the importance of avoiding additional complications.
—Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for complication
Cite this Entry
“Complication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complication. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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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