complicate
verb (used with object)
to make complex, intricate, involved, or difficult.
had been complicating
-
past perfect progressiveof complicate.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
While extreme heat and dry conditions had been complicating firefighting efforts, on Friday night, Ventura county said in a statement that "favourable weather conditions" had allowed firefighters to make "good progress in supressing the blaze."
From BBC ● Aug. 9, 2025
