unanticipated complication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unanticipated complication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an unexpected issue or problem that arises in a situation, often in contexts like medical, project management, or problem-solving scenarios. Example: "During the surgery, the team encountered an unanticipated complication that required immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

IN standard journalistic tradition, Ammar Sankari does not intend to let an unanticipated complication silence him.

The New York Times

But the increasing circulation of bogus money has proved an unanticipated complication, with the Colombians quickly learning how to reproduce even the new design of American bills, which was first implemented in 1996 largely to thwart counterfeiting.

The New York Times

For example, a patient may choose to have surgery, feeling that the benefits outweigh the harms, and yet may suffer a severe, unanticipated complication during the procedure.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

In February 2013, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDCC) published a notification in which AKI was identified as an unanticipated complication of the SC abuse [ 4].

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Unanticipated complications and benefits are both common.

The New Yorker

Toppling Saddam Hussein opened a Pandora's box of unanticipated complications.

The Washington Post

However, as with any novel technology unanticipated complications will develop.

Cardiovascular Pathology

This study seeks to determine whether prosthetic variety has led to better outcomes, has led to similar outcomes facilitating joint reconstruction, or created any unanticipated complications.

Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery

"Because of unanticipated complications this year, we ended up continuing with the preparer we had used before," Mr. Turner added, but many of the group's 2,300 members did abandon their preparers or paper and pencil this year in favor of TurboTax.

The New York Times

Imaging plays an important role in the emergent setting, rapidly differentiating the most commonly encountered complications from less common, unanticipated complications.

Insights into Imaging

Most surgeons have a learning curve with any new operation, and, in general, the more radical the departure from established methods, the greater the increased risk of unanticipated complications.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unanticipated complication" to precisely describe a problem that was not predicted or expected, especially in formal or technical contexts where accuracy is crucial.

Common error

While accurate, "unanticipated complication" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "unexpected problem" or "surprise issue" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unanticipated complication" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a sentence or clause. It describes a specific type of problem that arises unexpectedly. Ludwig AI shows the phrase used in various contexts, consistently referring to unforeseen difficulties.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unanticipated complication" is a noun phrase used to describe a problem or issue that was not expected. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in scientific and news media contexts. While accurate, the phrase leans toward the formal side, making it suitable for technical and professional discussions. For more casual settings, alternatives like "unexpected problem" might be a better fit. It's essential to use it accurately, especially in scenarios where clarity and precision are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexpected problem

Replaces "unanticipated" with "unexpected", focusing on the surprise aspect of the issue.

unforeseen issue

Similar to "unexpected problem" but uses "unforeseen" to emphasize the lack of prior knowledge.

surprise difficulty

Highlights the element of surprise associated with the difficulty.

unpredicted setback

Focuses on the negative impact of the unexpected event as a "setback".

unexpected glitch

Implies a minor, often technical, problem that was not anticipated.

unforeseen obstacle

Emphasizes the hindering aspect of the complication as an "obstacle".

surprise snag

Uses the informal term "snag" to indicate a small, unexpected problem.

unpredicted hurdle

Similar to "unforeseen obstacle", framing the complication as a challenge to overcome.

unexpected consequence

Highlights that the complication is a result or effect of something, rather than a problem in itself.

surprise twist

Uses "twist" to suggest an unexpected turn of events that complicates the situation.

FAQs

How to use "unanticipated complication" in a sentence?

Use "unanticipated complication" to refer to a problem or issue that was not expected. For example, "The surgery experienced an "unanticipated complication" that prolonged the procedure."

What can I say instead of "unanticipated complication"?

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

Which is correct, "unanticipated complication" or "unforeseen complication"?

Both "unanticipated complication" and "unforeseen complication" are correct. The choice depends on stylistic preference, as they convey essentially the same meaning of an unexpected issue.

What's the difference between "unanticipated complication" and "unexpected challenge"?

"Unanticipated complication" specifically suggests a problem that makes a situation more difficult, while "unexpected challenge" refers to something that tests someone's abilities and requires effort to overcome. The former is generally negative, whereas the latter can have positive connotations.