complicate
gb/kˈɑmplɪkˌeɪt/ us/kˈɑmplɪkˌeɪt/
B1
English
~ 5000
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Make something harder or more complex
To make something harder to do or understand.
Usage pattern:
to complicate [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'complicate' with 'complex'—'complicate' is a verb, while 'complex' is an adjective.
Synonyms
confuse (Implies making something unclear or hard to follow rather than adding complexity deliberately.)
|
overcomplicate (Implies making something needlessly or excessively complicated.)
Antonyms
simplify (Means to make something easier to understand or do by removing unnecessary parts.)
Collocations
complicate matters
|complicate the situation
|complicate things
|complicate the process
Themes
daily life
|problem solving
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Adding more rules will only complicate the process.
- Her sudden resignation could complicate the negotiations.
- Don't complicate matters by bringing up unrelated issues.
- The new regulations may complicate how we operate.
- Extra paperwork will complicate the application process.
Learner examples
- Extra rules will complicate the game.
- Rain can complicate travel plans.
- Her questions complicate the work.
- Too many steps complicate the recipe.
Grammar
Dictionary form
complicate
IPA
GB/kˈɑmplɪkˌeɪt/
US/kˈɑmplɪkˌeɪt/
Syllables & stress
com - plic - ate (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (com)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: complicate
- 3rd Person Singular: complicates
- Present Participle: complicating
- Past: complicated
Word family
Forms
Core family
complication
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
uncomplicated
adjective
simplify
verb B1
Expressions
complicate matters
1/kˈɑmplɪkˌeɪt mˈætɚz/
fixed phrase
Make a situation harder to handle
To make a problem or situation more difficult to deal with.
Examples
- We don't want to complicate matters by involving too many people.
- His refusal to cooperate will only complicate matters.
complicate things
1/kˈɑmplɪkˌeɪt θˈɪŋz/
fixed phrase
Make general circumstances harder
To make life, work, or a situation harder than it needs to be.
Examples
- Don't complicate things—just tell me what you want.
- The delay will complicate things for everyone involved.