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

• complexity
• complicacy
• convolution
• difficulty
• intricacy

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

Recognizing the symptoms of scarlet fever early and seeking medical care can ensure a quick recovery and reduce the risk of complications. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 15 Feb. 2025

But finding romance, a challenge at any age, comes with its own set of complications for men and women in their seventh, eighth and ninth decade of life. —Allison Gilbert, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025

The prospect of weather complications remains a topic of major concern as forecasts vary for upcoming events. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

State of play: The concern is that President Trump's sweeping executive order could derail efforts to improve early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of pregnancy and birth complications, and data collection on maternal deaths. —Maya Goldman, Axios, 13 Feb. 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

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