Word
complication
Phoneticscom·pli·ca·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌkɑmpɫəˈkeɪʃən/
UK/kˌɒmplɪkˈeɪʃən/
日本語合併症※
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a new problem that makes a situation more difficult to deal with. In medicine, it is a second illness or medical problem that happens while you are already sick.
n. a secondary disease or condition aggravating an already existing one; more generally, a factor that makes a situation more complex or difficult to resolve.
Examples
“The surgery was successful and there was no complication.”
“The doctor explained that the patient's high blood pressure could lead to a serious complication during the recovery process.”
“While the initial plan seemed straightforward, the sudden resignation of the lead architect introduced a complication that the project management team had not anticipated in their risk assessment.”
Examples
simple
“The surgery was successful and there was no complication.”
contextual
“The doctor explained that the patient's high blood pressure could lead to a serious complication during the recovery process.”
complex
“While the initial plan seemed straightforward, the sudden resignation of the lead architect introduced a complication that the project management team had not anticipated in their risk assessment.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “complication” in context.
Verb
01. arise from a complication
“The delay in the project's completion arose from a complication with the zoning laws.”
verb + prep + noun
02. avoid further complications
“We decided to settle the dispute out of court to avoid further complications.”
verb + adj + noun
03. develop a complication
“The patient began to develop a complication shortly after the surgery was finished.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. added complication
“The heavy snowfall was an added complication for the rescue teams.”
adj + noun
05. postoperative complication
“The medical team monitored him closely for any signs of a postoperative complication.”
adj + noun
06. unforeseen complication
“An unforeseen complication in the supply chain led to a shortage of raw materials.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. complication arose
“A serious complication arose when the two software systems failed to integrate.”
noun + verb
08. risk of complications
“The doctor explained that the risk of complications is significantly higher for smokers.”
noun + of + noun
Usage
Often used with the verbs 'arise' or 'develop'. In its medical sense, it is frequently used in the plural to describe post-operative risks.
Real-World Examples
“Severe complications , like pneumonia or brain swelling, can lead to hospitalization and death.” “UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan Bruno Lemarquis said funding gaps could, among other things, force health centre closures, “leaving thousands of mothers and newborns vulnerable to preventable complications and death”.” “Alongside the risk of dehydration and heatstroke, a bout of extreme heat raises the chances of complications from chronic conditions like advanced heart, kidney and respiratory failure.” “Meningitis can sometimes occur as a complication of some other infections, meaning several other vaccinations can also help protect people.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/complication
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0