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 Taking too much fenugreek may result in complications, such as low blood sugar and liver toxicity.1 Side Effects of Fenugreek Fenugreek, either alone or with other herbs, may affect your stomach. Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 24 Mar. 2024 Monitoring: The victim should be closely monitored for signs of complications, such as swelling, bruising, bleeding, difficulty breathing, changes in heart rate or organ failure. The Arizona Republic, 23 Mar. 2024 Even worse, soaring office vacancy levels and faltering office rents now pose additional complications for real estate developers and investors. George Avalos, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2024 But the dialysis caused complications—his blood vessels were clotting and failing. Emily Mullin, WIRED, 21 Mar. 2024 But the human immune system rejects foreign tissue, causing life-threatening complications, and experts note that long-term rejection can occur even when donors are well matched. Roni Caryn Rabin, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024 But if eclipses are a reminder of people’s place in a vast universe, weather complications in chasing them – which once included trying to watch an eclipse in Georgia next to a chicken coop in the rain – were also a reminder to him of all that is beyond our human control. Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2024 Measles can be severe in all age groups and can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and death. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 18 Mar. 2024 However, there are medications that can help relieve symptoms and address complications such as bacterial infections, the CDC reports. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 15 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'complication.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near complication

Cite this Entry

“Complication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complication. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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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