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

Inspired by a 19th-century clock that Baumgartner’s watchmaker father, Gérard, restored, the Spacemeter is a miniature astronomical complication and tracks the distances traveled by several heavenly bodies. —Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 6 Dec. 2025

Even if gastrointestinal symptoms improve, serious complications can still occur, including liver damage, the poison control center warned. —Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 6 Dec. 2025

While the Justice Department could attempt to present the case again, the complications arising from the first indictment’s invalidation—combined with continuing challenges to the underlying evidence and allegations—signal that any further prosecution will face heightened scrutiny. —Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommends all eligible people ages 6 months and older get an annual flu shot to prevent severe complications from flu, including hospitalization. —Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 5 Dec. 2025

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