Complication

Definition

Complication refers to a factor or issue that makes a situation more difficult or complex. In medicine, it specifically refers to a secondary disease or condition that arises during the course of a primary illness or treatment, making recovery more difficult.

Parts of Speech

• Noun (an additional difficulty or complexity)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌkɑːmplɪˈkeɪʃən/
• Respelling: kom-pli-KAY-shuhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌkɒmplɪˈkeɪʃən/
• Respelling: kom-pli-KAY-shuhn

Etymology

The word "complication" originates from the Latin word "complicare," meaning "to fold together or entwine." It is formed from "com-" (together) and "plicare" (to fold). The modern sense of "complication" as something that makes a situation more difficult emerged in the 16th century.

Derivatives

• Complicate (verb)
• Complicated (adjective)
• Complicating (verb/adjective)
• Uncomplicated (adjective)
• Complication-free (adjective)

Synonyms

• Dilemma
• Obstacle
• Difficulty

Antonyms

• Simplicity
• Ease
• Clarity

Usage

The term "complication" is often used in both everyday and specialized contexts. For example, in everyday speech, it might refer to an unexpected issue that makes a situation more difficult, as in, "The rain caused a serious complication for the event." In medical terminology, it refers to a secondary condition that develops alongside a primary illness, such as, "The surgery was successful, but there was a post-operative complication."

Related Terms

• Obstacle: Something that hinders or blocks progress.
• Complexity: The state or quality of being intricate or complicated.
• Disease: A disorder or dysfunction of an organism that often leads to complications.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A factor that makes something more difficult or complex: Refers to any additional issue or obstacle that increases the difficulty of a situation.
  • Example: "His late arrival caused a major complication in the meeting plans."
• A secondary medical condition that arises during an illness or treatment: Refers to an additional condition that complicates recovery or treatment of a primary disease.
  • Example: "The patient developed a respiratory complication after surgery."