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
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
Nacua said his father, who died when Nacua was a youngster, experienced complications from the disease.
—
Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
Another complication: any changes to the bill made by the Senate must be approved by the House, which narrowly sent the bill to the upper chamber by just one vote.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 2 June 2025
His death was ruled an accident, likely due to complications from excessive drinking.
—Max Blau, ProPublica, 2 June 2025
However, there are complications and ways in which the 10-year clock can be stopped—just ask Glen Stoll.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for complication
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Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
Another complication: any changes to the bill made by the Senate must be approved by the House, which narrowly sent the bill to the upper chamber by just one vote.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 2 June 2025
His death was ruled an accident, likely due to complications from excessive drinking.
—Max Blau, ProPublica, 2 June 2025
However, there are complications and ways in which the 10-year clock can be stopped—just ask Glen Stoll.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for complication
Cite this Entry
“Complication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complication. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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
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