complication

noun

com·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌkäm-plə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce complication (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jackie Cruz-Towns died due to complications from COVID-19 in April 2020. Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025 Pelvic floor physical therapy is also acquiring clinical relevance, especially for men with postural imbalances, chronic pelvic tension or post-surgical complications. Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 This could result in serious health complications, such as: vomiting, lack of coordination and balance, and in rare cases, partial paralysis, collapse and even death, says Martin. Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 26 June 2025 About one in 1,000 cases causes brain inflammation; even rarer complications can occur years after the initial infection. Jen Christiansen, Scientific American, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for complication

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of complication was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Complication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complication. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

complication

noun
com·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌkäm-plə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce complication (audio)
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 How to pronounce complication (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on complication

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