complication

/ˌkɒmplɪˈkeɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌkɑːmplɪˈkeɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌkäm-plə-ˈkā-shən/ (ame, mw)

complication — noun

  • complicationsingular
  • complicationsplural

1. A situation, event, or piece of information — often one that was not expected —

1.名詞B2
釋義

A situation, event, or piece of information — often one that was not expected — that makes a plan or process harder to carry out.

例句

A visa delay added another complication to Lakshmi's study abroad plans.

added complication to [plan/process]

The team leader tried to avoid further complications by sending a clearer schedule.

avoid complications

同義詞
  • difficulty

    more general; any situation that requires effort to deal with

  • setback

    implies a delay or reversal of progress, stronger than complication

  • hitch

    informal; a small temporary problem that is usually easy to fix

  • snag

    informal; an unexpected minor problem that causes a delay

反義詞
  • simplification

    something that makes a situation easier rather than harder

  • solution

    a way to resolve a problem, not the problem itself

文法句型

complication + of + noun/gerund

complication + to + noun

complication + with + noun

用法筆記

Frequently used in the plural (complications) when referring to multiple unexpected difficulties. Common in contexts involving plans, travel, logistics, and negotiations.

常見錯誤

❌The complication of this machine is too high.
✅This machine is too complicated.
💡'Complication' is a countable problem, not an abstract quality. Use 'complexity' for the state of being complex.
❌I had a small complication with my phone.
✅I had a small problem with my phone.
💡'Complication' is too strong for everyday minor issues; use 'problem' or 'glitch' instead.

2. An additional health condition that develops while a person is already receiving

2.名詞B2
釋義

An additional health condition that develops while a person is already receiving treatment for a different illness, potentially making recovery harder or slower.

例句

After years of diabetes, Jiwoo developed complications that affected her vision.

develop complications from [illness]

The doctor warned Dario about possible complications before the heart surgery.

同義詞
  • secondary infection

    more specific; a new infection caused by or occurring during the primary one

  • aftereffect

    broader; any result that appears after treatment, not necessarily negative

反義詞
  • recovery

    the process of getting better, the opposite of developing problems

  • improvement

    a positive change in a patient's condition

文法句型

complication + from + noun

complication + of + noun

develop + complications

lead to + complications

用法筆記

Commonly used with prepositions from (complications from surgery) and of (complications of diabetes). The plural form is typical even when referring to a single patient's situation.

常見錯誤

❌The medicine gave me a complication in my stomach.
✅The medicine gave me a side effect
💡stomach pain.' — 'Complication' means a new disease or condition, not a direct reaction to a drug (use 'side effect').