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Synonyms

complication

American  
[kom-pli-key-shuhn] / ˌkɒm plɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

  1. the act of complicating.

  2. a complicated complicated or involved state or condition.

  3. a complex combination of elements or things.

  4. something that introduces, usually unexpectedly, some difficulty, problem, change, etc..

    Because of the complications involved in traveling during the strike, we decided to postpone our trip.

    Synonyms:
    obstacle, handicap, drawback
  5. Pathology. a concurrent disease, accident, or adverse reaction that aggravates the original disease.

  6. the act of forming a unified idea or impression from a number of sense data, memories, etc.


complication British  
/ ˌkɒmplɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

  1. a condition, event, etc, that is complex or confused

  2. the act or process of complicating

  3. a situation, event, or condition that complicates or frustrates

    her coming was a serious complication

  4. a disease or disorder arising as a consequence of another disease

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • complicative adjective
  • precomplication noun
  • recomplication noun

Etymology

Origin of complication

1605–15; < Late Latin complicātīon- (stem of complicātiō ), equivalent to complicāt ( us ) ( complicate ) + -īon- -ion

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One person, who saw another doctor for a heart valve condition that heightened the risk of complications, could no longer walk for more than 10 minutes after their surgery, Uber alleged in the lawsuit.

From Los Angeles Times

The rift is an unwelcome complication as the U.S. works to keep Iran contained and persuade Tehran to give up its nuclear program.

From The Wall Street Journal

The latest treatments follow a recent surgery for the former president amid ongoing health complications.

From BBC

Life-threatening health complications around the birth saw his partner Louise hospitalised.

From BBC

The terms were typical: $70,000, plus fees in the event of potential health complications and a promise that the intended parents would cover medical costs.

From The Wall Street Journal