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
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
Have severe unexpected newborn complication rates 44% lower compared with maternity care hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.
—
Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 11 Dec. 2024
These delays can lead to more serious health complications down the road — complications that could be prevented with more affordable care.
—Lisa Abrams, Baltimore Sun, 11 Dec. 2024
Researchers found that the current status quo on many platforms involves policy language that may confuse its users or technical complications that keep content creators say prevents them from being able to assert ownership of their accounts.
—Lily Hay Newman, WIRED, 11 Dec. 2024
Some of the rare complications of copper IUDs can have consequences.
—Wendy Wisner, Health, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for complication 
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.
Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 11 Dec. 2024
These delays can lead to more serious health complications down the road — complications that could be prevented with more affordable care.
—Lisa Abrams, Baltimore Sun, 11 Dec. 2024
Researchers found that the current status quo on many platforms involves policy language that may confuse its users or technical complications that keep content creators say prevents them from being able to assert ownership of their accounts.
—Lily Hay Newman, WIRED, 11 Dec. 2024
Some of the rare complications of copper IUDs can have consequences.
—Wendy Wisner, Health, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for complication
Dictionary Entries Near complication
Cite this Entry
“Complication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complication. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share