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
Fewer than half of the 20,000 households losing city pickup have secured private haulers, with many facing rejections, steep rates or a maze of complications.
—
U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2025
Released earlier this year in two variations (titanium and Carbon TPT), the new RM 43-01 Ferrari Tourbillon follows in the footsteps of the record-breaking RM UP-01 that the two brands released in 2022, but is more maximalist in terms of design and features more complications.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2025
Lisa Marie, 54, Elvis Presley’s only child, died of a small bowel obstruction (a complication of bariatric surgery) six weeks after the film finished shooting.
—Kim Willis, USA Today, 20 Sep. 2025
If your personal growth involves abstaining from alcohol due to migraines, panic attacks or other health complications, this is not a lifestyle choice anymore.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 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.
U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2025
Released earlier this year in two variations (titanium and Carbon TPT), the new RM 43-01 Ferrari Tourbillon follows in the footsteps of the record-breaking RM UP-01 that the two brands released in 2022, but is more maximalist in terms of design and features more complications.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2025
Lisa Marie, 54, Elvis Presley’s only child, died of a small bowel obstruction (a complication of bariatric surgery) six weeks after the film finished shooting.
—Kim Willis, USA Today, 20 Sep. 2025
If your personal growth involves abstaining from alcohol due to migraines, panic attacks or other health complications, this is not a lifestyle choice anymore.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 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