Word
complication
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 an additional problem or difficulty that makes a situation harder to deal with.
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.
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