Complications
/ˌkɒmplɪˈkeɪʃənz/
Definitions
2 meaningsA factor or situation that makes something more difficult, complex, or problematic.
/ˌkɒmplɪˈkeɪʃənz/
A circumstance that makes something more difficult.
The unexpected rain added complications to our picnic plans.
💡 Simply: When something becomes more challenging or messy than expected, like when a recipe has too many steps or a relationship hits a rough patch. It’s like an unexpected twist that throws a wrench in your plan!
👶 For kids: When things get tricky or hard to handle.
More Examples
The investigation hit a series of complications that slowed progress.
She carefully considered the potential complications before making her decision.
How It's Used
"The patient experienced several complications after surgery."
"The project ran into unexpected complications that delayed its completion."
"The legal case was riddled with complications due to conflicting evidence."
A secondary disease or condition arising in the course of another disease.
/ˌkɒmplɪˈkeɪʃənz/
A secondary disease or condition that arises in the course of another disease.
A common complication of diabetes is nerve damage.
💡 Simply: In a doctor's world, it’s like the 'side effects' of a sickness or treatment. For instance, having a cough as a complication from a cold, or a fever as a result of vaccination.
👶 For kids: When your body has a new problem because of an old problem.
More Examples
The doctor warned of possible complications from the surgery.
The illness resulted in several serious complications.
How It's Used
"Pneumonia is a common complication of the flu."
"The patient suffered a serious complication after the operation."
From Latin *complicatio* ('a folding together, entanglement'), from *complicare* ('to fold together'), from *com-* ('together') + *plicare* ('to fold').
The word 'complications' has been used in English since the late 16th century, initially referring to matters that are entangled or involved.
Memory tip
Think of tangled wires - they create complications for an electrician.