Word
complication
A complication is an additional problem or difficulty that makes a situation harder to deal with.
Meanings
an extra problem or difficulty that makes something more complicated
an additional medical problem that happens during an illness or after treatment
Definition
A complication is something that happens and makes an already difficult situation more complex. It can be an unexpected problem in a plan, process, or relationship. It can also refer to an additional medical problem that occurs during an illness or after treatment.
Examples
- The merger looked straightforward, but a last-minute data issue became a major complication.
- I planned to leave early; then the train cancellation added an unexpected complication to my day.
- She handled the negotiation well, even when a staffing shortage turned into a serious complication.
- They kept the project on track by spotting each complication early and adjusting their timeline.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse complication with complex, but complication is a noun meaning an added problem, while complex is usually an adjective describing something difficult.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More nouns
- deadline A deadline is a specific time or date by which something must be completed.
- fascism Fascism is an extreme right-wing political system with a powerful dictator, strong nationalism, and…
- gaslighting Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that makes someone doubt their own memory, judg…
- narcissist A narcissist is someone who is excessively self-centered and craves admiration while showing little…
- empathy Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings.