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 of complication

• difficulty
• complexity

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

Kabita died from complications of eclampsia, with severe anemia contributing significantly, says Mahato, the hospital paramedic. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Duffy resigned from Congress in 2019, citing the health complications of his ninth child. — Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

The season will find Lee teaming with a public defender, played by Betty Gilpin, on a case while also dealing with complications in his own life, some of them self-inflicted. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026

Timing is a complication for PSG, with several of their World Cup contingent, including Ousmane Dembélé, Fabián Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi, only just returning to the fold this week. — Dean Jones, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for complication

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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