complication
gb/kˌɑmplɪkˈeɪʃən/ us/kˌɑmplɪkˈeɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 4900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
A new problem in a situation
A new problem that makes something harder to do or understand.
Usage pattern:
a complication in [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'complication' with 'complexity'. 'Complexity' refers to how complicated something is in general, while 'complication' usually means a new problem that arises.
Synonyms
difficulty (A general word for something that causes trouble; may not imply it is an addition to an existing situation.)
|
obstacle (Something that blocks progress; often more physical or concrete than 'complication'.)
Antonyms
solution (Something that solves a problem rather than making it harder.)
|
simplification (The act of making something easier or less complex.)
Collocations
unexpected complication
|minor complication
|serious complication
|potential complication
|cause a complication
Themes
daily life
|problem solving
|work
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Examples
- The bad weather was an unexpected complication in our travel plans.
- Negotiations faced a new complication when the other party changed their demands.
- Finding a venue turned out to be more of a complication than we expected.
- The project was going smoothly until a budget issue created a major complication.
- Her arrival added an emotional complication to the already tense meeting.
Learner examples
- We had a complication during our trip.
- The rain was a complication for the picnic.
- He faced a complication at work.
- The test had one small complication.
- A broken car is a big complication when you travel.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
2
A secondary medical problem
A new health problem that happens because of another illness or its treatment.
Usage pattern:
a complication of [illness/treatment]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'complication' with 'condition'. A 'condition' is any medical state, but a 'complication' is an extra problem caused by another illness or treatment.
Synonyms
side effect (An unwanted result of treatment, but not always as serious or related to disease progression as 'complication'.)
|
sequela (A medical term for a condition resulting from a previous disease; more formal and less common outside medicine.)
Antonyms
recovery (The process of becoming healthy again rather than worsening.)
Collocations
post-surgical complication
|serious complication
|minor complication
|possible complication
|complication of diabetes
Themes
medicine
|health
Examples
- Pneumonia is a common complication of the flu in elderly patients.
- The surgery went well, but there was a minor complication during recovery.
- Blood clots are a serious complication after long periods of immobility.
- Infection is a possible complication after any operation.
- Doctors are monitoring him closely for any complications from the treatment.
Learner examples
- The patient had a complication after surgery.
- Fever is a possible complication of this illness.
- She had no complications after the operation.
- A cough can be a complication of the flu.
- They treated the complication quickly.
Grammar
Dictionary form
complication
IPA
GB/kˌɑmplɪkˈeɪʃən/
US/kˌɑmplɪkˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
com - plic - a - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (a)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: complication
- Plural: complication, complications
Word family
Forms
complications
noun
Core family
complicate
verb B1
complicated
adjective B1
Negative and opposite forms
uncomplicated
adjective
Expressions
cause complications
1/kˈɔz kˌɑmplɪkˈeɪʃənz/
fixed phrase
To create extra problems in a situation
To make new problems happen in an already difficult situation.
Examples
- The delay caused complications in the delivery schedule.
- Her absence caused complications for the team project.
lead to complications
1/lˈid tə kˌɑmplɪkˈeɪʃənz/
fixed phrase
To cause extra problems
To make something happen that causes more problems or difficulties.
Examples
- Not following the instructions could lead to complications.
- His refusal to cooperate may lead to complications in the investigation.
without complications
1/wɪðˈaʊt kˌɑmplɪkˈeɪʃənz/
fixed phrase
Happening smoothly without problems
Happening easily and without any extra problems.
Examples
- The surgery was completed without complications.
- Everything went without complications during the move to the new office.