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.
Pregnancy complications such as miscarriage and preterm birth put mothers and children at risk, making solutions necessary to find. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025 When Cochrane died in 1913, at 74, from complications following a stroke, there was a growing commercial market for dishwashers in the United States. Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025 His death happened about four months after his wife, June, died of complications from heart surgery. Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 12 Sep. 2025 Wilson’s father, Harrison, died in 2010 at age of 55 from diabetes complications. Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 12 Sep. 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 17 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!