Entry Word: complication

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult <the food allergies of the guests were just another complication for the couple trying to plan their wedding reception>

Synonyms complexity, difficulty, intricacy

Related Words aftereffect, ramification, side effect; subtlety, technicality; annoyance, bother, headache, inconvenience, matter, trouble

Phrases fly in the ointment

2 an abnormal state that disrupts a plantʼs or animalʼs normal bodily functioning <complications set in after the surgery> — see disease