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
Children are known to be at greater risk of health complications from breathing fossil fuel emissions.
—
Joan Meiners, The Arizona Republic, 28 June 2024
While the incidence of the syndrome among those who are vaccinated is small, the risk of RSV complications in younger people is also low—so the risk-benefit calculations don’t obviously favor vaccination, at least for now.
—Alice Park, TIME, 28 June 2024
Across from the contemporary painting hangs a touching dedication to Pride Live co-founder Diana Rodriguez’s uncle—Tony Torres, a Vietnam veteran who died due to complications from AIDS in 1989.
—Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 June 2024
One month after Kelsie Norris-De La Cruz was turned away from a Texas hospital with a life-threatening pregnancy complication, the 25-year-old college senior learned about a federal law that could have protected her during the most frightening medical episode of her life.
—Dan Diamond, Washington Post, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for complication 
Joan Meiners, The Arizona Republic, 28 June 2024
While the incidence of the syndrome among those who are vaccinated is small, the risk of RSV complications in younger people is also low—so the risk-benefit calculations don’t obviously favor vaccination, at least for now.
—Alice Park, TIME, 28 June 2024
Across from the contemporary painting hangs a touching dedication to Pride Live co-founder Diana Rodriguez’s uncle—Tony Torres, a Vietnam veteran who died due to complications from AIDS in 1989.
—Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 June 2024
One month after Kelsie Norris-De La Cruz was turned away from a Texas hospital with a life-threatening pregnancy complication, the 25-year-old college senior learned about a federal law that could have protected her during the most frightening medical episode of her life.
—Dan Diamond, Washington Post, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for complication
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.
Dictionary Entries Near complication
Cite this Entry
“Complication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complication. Accessed 7 Jul. 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
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