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
That’s coming with a whole lot of complications and betrayal and pressure and disaster.
—
Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 21 July 2025
Although foreign property ownership is legal in most of the countries on this list, the buying process can present all kinds of complications and costs.
—William P. Barrett, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Director of the Water and Management Division for DEEP Nisha Patel puts these technical and practical complications into context for any big city, but specifically Hartford.
—Justin Doughty, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025
Some doctors may recommend that patients get a fetal reduction to decrease the risk of complications.
—Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for complication
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Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 21 July 2025
Although foreign property ownership is legal in most of the countries on this list, the buying process can present all kinds of complications and costs.
—William P. Barrett, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Director of the Water and Management Division for DEEP Nisha Patel puts these technical and practical complications into context for any big city, but specifically Hartford.
—Justin Doughty, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025
Some doctors may recommend that patients get a fetal reduction to decrease the risk of complications.
—Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 18 July 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 29 Jul. 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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