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
Insulin resistance occurs when cells don't respond to insulin, leading to high blood glucose and potential health complications.
—
Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 10 July 2025
Another complication, Wright said, is the ongoing plans to potentially close DOC facilities, such as Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 9 July 2025
Doctors have some treatment options available to address complications like pneumonia or bacterial infections that can develop in measles patients.
—Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 9 July 2025
Final Words Built for those who expect excellence without complication, the Sunseeker Elite X7 helps keep your lawn well-groomed with little to no manual effort.
—William Jones, USA Today, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for complication
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 10 July 2025
Another complication, Wright said, is the ongoing plans to potentially close DOC facilities, such as Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 9 July 2025
Doctors have some treatment options available to address complications like pneumonia or bacterial infections that can develop in measles patients.
—Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 9 July 2025
Final Words Built for those who expect excellence without complication, the Sunseeker Elite X7 helps keep your lawn well-groomed with little to no manual effort.
—William Jones, USA Today, 9 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 18 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share