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
Florida women who have experienced pregnancy complications told the Sun Sentinel they are being turned away from emergency departments — until their conditions worsen, even when profusely bleeding.
—
Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2026
From materials and complications to new projects, such as Bremont’s integration of its Supernova watch on the chassis of Astrolab’s FLIP rover headed to the moon, everyone had their head in the stars.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
While the surgery can help many dogs, complications and persistent breathing issues are common.
—Taneia Surles, USA Today, 1 May 2026
Diabetic macular edema, or DME, is a complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss and is one of the leading causes of new blindness in the United States.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for complication
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Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2026
From materials and complications to new projects, such as Bremont’s integration of its Supernova watch on the chassis of Astrolab’s FLIP rover headed to the moon, everyone had their head in the stars.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
While the surgery can help many dogs, complications and persistent breathing issues are common.
—Taneia Surles, USA Today, 1 May 2026
Diabetic macular edema, or DME, is a complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss and is one of the leading causes of new blindness in the United States.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for complication
Cite this Entry
“Complication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complication. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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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