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Complication Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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complication

[ˌkɒmplɪˈkeɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

A complication is an additional problem or illness that makes a disease or medical condition more difficult to treat.

Synonyms

issue, obstacle, problem.

Examples of usage

  • Her pneumonia gave rise to a complication of severe bronchitis.
  • The surgery went well, but there were complications during the recovery period.
  • Complications from diabetes can include kidney damage and nerve damage.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A complication can also refer to a complex or involved situation that makes something more difficult or confusing.

Synonyms

complexity, confusion, difficulty.

Examples of usage

  • The political situation became even more complicated with the new legislation.
  • The plot of the movie had so many complications that it was hard to follow.
  • Dealing with all these complications at work can be overwhelming.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In medicine, complications can arise during treatments, meaning additional problems that may affect recovery.
  • Complications can turn a simple surgical procedure into a challenging ordeal, sometimes increasing recovery time.

Psychology

  • Cognitive complexity suggests that as situations become more complicated, people's stress and anxiety levels may also rise.
  • Understanding complications can help in problem-solving as it often requires deeper analysis and creativity.

Literature

  • In storytelling, complications drive the plot forward, creating tension and challenges for characters to overcome.
  • Classic literature often uses complications to expand on character development, showing how they respond to adversity.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, complex situations often lead to unexpected twists, keeping the audience engaged and guessing.
  • Many popular songs revolve around themes of complicated relationships, reflecting the emotional intricacies of love.

Origin of 'complication'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin term 'complicare,' meaning 'to fold together,' which reflects layers of difficulty.
  • Historically, it has been used in medical contexts since the 15th century to describe issues arising from diseases.

The word 'complication' originated from the Latin word 'complicatus', which means 'folded together'. It entered the English language in the 17th century. Over time, its usage expanded to encompass both medical and general contexts, reflecting the idea of things becoming more intricate or entangled.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,260 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.