complication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a difficulty or problem that arises in a situation, often in medical or narrative contexts. Example: "The surgery went well, but a complication arose during recovery that required additional treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The added complication is that Vestager's boss and the president of the European commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, was prime minister of Luxembourg for almost 20 years.

The Guardian

In theory, practice makes perfect, because people who do the same cataract surgeries more frequently will become better at it, but the only way to ensure this is the case is to measure complication and error rates.

The Guardian

As well as a competitive basic pay, performance bonuses are granted for clinical quality (eg low complication rates) and patient satisfaction.

The Guardian

Yet, we know mortality and complication rates are significantly higher for patients admitted on Fridays and the weekend.

The Guardian

After lunch the session faced a further complication: a scheduling clash with another of the comic acts at the Opera House, the Freddie Starr show.

The Guardian

Another complication: the terms of the TPP won't be open to debate.

The Guardian - Business

Unlike in the case of clinical officers, training nurses serves to increase their motivation by broadening their scope of practice, but the problem of the brain drain is a continuing complication.

The Guardian

But there was a complication.

The New York Times

He wants it to wield investigative powers and the right to make titles pay compensation and run corrections prominently.It all sounds sensible, but there is a complication.

The Economist

Another complication is that some checkpoint inhibitors may, alone, work on perhaps 20% of patients, but when combined with another could be far more successful.Indeed, the industry is now in a frenzy of partnering, with companies speed-dating their rivals to form treatment alliances.

The Economist

The controversies that made the Bush years so venomous have faded, and partly through the miracle of the accelerated news cycle 2000 2008 already feels somewhat distant.I doubt Mr J Bush, who's always said to have been the brother who grew up thinking of himself as presidential material, appreciates this kind of complication.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complication", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being complicated. For instance, specify whether it's a medical condition, a plan, or a legal process.

Common error

Avoid using "complication" vaguely. Instead of saying "There was a complication", specify what the complication was and how it affected the situation. This makes your writing clearer and more informative.

Linguistic Context

The noun "complication" functions primarily to denote a difficulty, problem, or intricate situation that arises unexpectedly, often adding to the complexity of an existing matter. Ludwig provides several examples illustrating this function across various contexts, affirming its role as a descriptor of added complexity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complication" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that denotes a difficulty or problem that arises, adding intricacy to a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile across varied contexts, primarily in news, business, and scientific domains. When using "complication", clarity is key; be specific about what is being complicated to avoid vagueness. While alternatives like "difficulty", "problem", and "issue" exist, the choice depends on the precise nuance you wish to convey. The consistent usage and authoritative sources reinforce "complication" as a reliable term in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficulty

A more general term that refers to a problem or obstacle.

problem

A straightforward alternative emphasizing the existence of an issue.

issue

A point or matter that needs to be resolved or addressed.

obstacle

Focuses on something that blocks progress or makes achievement difficult.

impediment

Highlights something that hinders or obstructs progress.

hinderance

Similar to impediment, but often refers to something that slows down progress.

drawback

Emphasizes a negative aspect or disadvantage.

setback

Refers to a temporary delay or reversal in progress.

challenge

Highlights a situation that tests one's abilities or resources.

snag

An unexpected or hidden obstacle or problem.

FAQs

How to use "complication" in a sentence?

You can use "complication" to refer to a difficulty or problem that arises in a situation. For example: "The surgery went well, but a "complication" arose during recovery that required additional treatment."

What can I say instead of "complication"?

You can use alternatives like "difficulty", "problem", or "issue" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "complication" or "complex issue"?

Both are correct, but ""complication"" generally refers to an unexpected problem arising from a situation, whereas "complex issue" describes something inherently intricate.

What's the difference between "complication" and "obstacle"?

"Complication" usually refers to a problem that arises unexpectedly, especially in a medical or procedural context, while "obstacle" refers to something that blocks progress or achievement.