50 Powerful Synonyms for ‘Complication’: Meaning, Usage & Examples

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Synonyms are essential tools for anyone seeking to enrich their English vocabulary and communicate more precisely. The word “complication” is often used to describe difficulties, obstacles, or factors that make a situation more complex. However, relying solely on this word can limit your expression and clarity. Understanding a wide range of synonyms for “complication” helps students, English learners, writers, editors, and professionals select words tailored to specific contexts, enhancing both writing and reading comprehension.

This comprehensive article offers an in-depth exploration of synonyms for “complication.” We will cover definitions, grammatical structure, context-specific categories, detailed usage rules, tables for quick reference, common mistakes, practice exercises, advanced nuances, and frequently asked questions. Whether you’re expanding your vocabulary or aiming for precision in your writing, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools to use synonyms for “complication” confidently and effectively.

Table of Contents

3. Definition Section

3.1. Core Definition of ‘Complication’

Complication (noun): Something that introduces difficulty, complexity, or an additional problem to a situation.

  • Medical: An additional medical problem arising during the course of a disease or condition.
  • Technical: A factor or malfunction that impedes a process or system.
  • Everyday: Any obstacle or difficulty that makes a situation less straightforward.
  • Figurative: Anything that increases the complexity of an issue or relationship.

Grammar: “Complication” is a countable noun (plural: complications).
Etymology: From Latin complicatio (“a folding together” or “complexity”), from complicare (“to fold together”).

3.2. What Is a Synonym?

A synonym is a word or phrase that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word or phrase in the same language. Synonyms allow writers and speakers to vary word choice, avoid repetition, and choose expressions that best fit the context.

Expanding your knowledge of synonyms improves your ability to express ideas precisely and fluently.

3.3. What Constitutes a Synonym of ‘Complication’?

Not every word meaning “problem” is a perfect synonym for “complication.” Key criteria include:

  • Semantic similarity: The word must refer to something that adds difficulty or complexity.
  • Context: The synonym should be appropriate for the situation (medical, technical, everyday, etc.).
  • Register: Level of formality or technicality.
  • Connotation: Emotional or associative meaning (is it neutral, negative, or sometimes positive?).

Perfect synonyms are rare; most are near synonyms, sharing core meaning but differing in usage, tone, or nuance.

3.4. Function and Contexts of Use

Both “complication” and its synonyms usually function as nouns, appearing as the subject, object, or complement in sentences. Their use varies by:

  • Formality: Some synonyms are formal (e.g., “obstacle”), others informal (e.g., “hiccup”).
  • Context: Technical (e.g., “malfunction”), medical (e.g., “sequela”), or general (e.g., “problem”).
  • Literary/Creative: More abstract or metaphorical synonyms (e.g., “entanglement”).

Selecting the right synonym ensures your communication is clear, precise, and appropriate for your audience.

4. Structural Breakdown

4.1. Parts of Speech: Nouns as Synonyms

Most synonyms of “complication” are nouns. Some can be pluralized, while others are typically uncountable or used in specific forms.

Below is a table listing 20 common noun synonyms with their plural forms and sample sentences.

Table 1: Noun Synonyms for “Complication” – Plural Forms & Examples
Synonym Plural Example Sentence
Problem Problems We encountered a problem during the project.
Difficulty Difficulties She overcame many difficulties in her career.
Obstacle Obstacles Lack of funding was a major obstacle.
Setback Setbacks The delay was a serious setback.
Issue Issues Technical issues halted production.
Snag Snags There was a snag in the plan.
Hiccup Hiccups The process had a minor hiccup.
Entanglement Entanglements His actions led to legal entanglements.
Predicament Predicaments She found herself in a difficult predicament.
Complication Complications Surgery went well, but there were complications.
Malfunction Malfunctions The device suffered a malfunction.
Sequela Sequelae The disease caused several sequelae.
Side effect Side effects Fatigue is a common side effect of the drug.
Crisis Crises The company faced a financial crisis.
Intricacy Intricacies He explained the intricacies of the plan.
Nuance Nuances The issue has many nuances to consider.
Barrier Barriers Language barriers complicated negotiations.
Glitch Glitches There was a glitch in the system update.
Challenge Challenges This task presents several challenges.
Impediment Impediments Poor communication was an impediment to success.

4.2. Collocations and Patterns

Certain verbs, adjectives, and prepositions are commonly used with “complication” and its synonyms. Recognizing these collocation patterns enhances natural expression.

Table 2: Collocation Patterns for “Complication” Synonyms
Synonym Common Verbs Common Adjectives Prepositional Phrases
Complication arise, cause, avoid major, medical, unexpected of surgery, due to, in case of
Problem face, encounter, solve big, minor, technical with, in, for
Obstacle overcome, remove, present serious, significant, main to, in, for
Setback experience, suffer, recover from major, minor, unexpected to, in
Issue raise, address, discuss key, pressing, unresolved with, of, for
Challenge accept, meet, pose new, great, ongoing in, for, of
Glitch fix, encounter, suffer minor, technical, temporary in, with
Side effect cause, report, experience adverse, possible, mild of, from

4.3. Register and Formality

Some synonyms are more suitable for formal writing, while others are informal or colloquial. The table below shows typical register and context.

Table 3: Register Comparison of Synonyms
Synonym Register Context Example
Sequela Technical/Medical (Very Formal) The patient developed neurological sequelae.
Hiccup Informal/Colloquial There was a small hiccup in the process.
Obstacle Neutral/Formal The main obstacle was lack of resources.
Snag Informal We hit a snag with the delivery schedule.
Intricacy Formal/Literary He admired the intricacy of the mechanism.
Glitch Informal/Technical A software glitch caused the error.

4.4. Connotation and Nuance

Synonyms for “complication” often have subtle differences in emotional tone or implication, called connotation.

Table 4: Connotation Analysis of Major Synonyms
Synonym Connotation Notes
Complication Neutral/Negative Can be medical or general; often serious.
Problem Neutral/Negative Common, general use.
Setback Negative Implies delay or reversal of progress.
Hiccup Lightly Negative Minor, temporary issue.
Challenge Neutral/Positive Can be motivating or imply opportunity.
Intricacy Neutral/Positive Suggests complexity, often admirable.
Obstacle Negative Something to be overcome.
Glitch Lightly Negative Minor technical problem.
Predicament Negative Unpleasant, difficult situation.

4.5. Syntactic Position and Sentence Structure

Synonyms for “complication” are typically used as nouns and appear in various sentence positions:

  • Subject: The complication delayed the operation.
  • Object: We must address this obstacle.
  • Complement: The main issue is a malfunction in the system.

Sentence patterns vary by synonym but often follow: Subject + verb + (adjective) synonym (+ prepositional phrase).

5. Types or Categories

5.1. Synonyms by Context

Different synonyms suit different contexts. Here’s how some are grouped:

  • Medical/Scientific: sequela, side effect, complication
  • Technical/Engineering: malfunction, issue, glitch
  • Everyday/General: problem, difficulty, obstacle, snag
  • Literary/Abstract: entanglement, predicament, intricacy
Table 5: Synonym Categorization by Context
Context Common Synonyms Example
Medical/Scientific complication, sequela, side effect He suffered a rare complication after surgery.
Technical/Engineering malfunction, issue, glitch The software had a major glitch.
Everyday/General problem, difficulty, snag We hit a snag in our travel plans.
Literary/Abstract entanglement, predicament, intricacy His lies led to a web of entanglements.

5.2. Synonyms by Severity or Complexity

  • Mild/Minor: hiccup, snag, glitch, wrinkle
  • Major/Critical: crisis, setback, disaster, catastrophe
  • Subtle/Hidden: nuance, intricacy, twist

5.3. Synonyms by Cause or Nature

  • External Complications: barrier, obstacle, setback, interference
  • Internal/Systemic: malfunction, error, side effect, nuance
  • Human-Caused: mistake, blunder, misunderstanding
  • Systemic: breakdown, flaw, deficiency

6. Examples Section

6.1. Simple Sentence Examples

  1. We encountered an unexpected obstacle during our hike.
  2. The medication caused a minor side effect.
  3. The project faced several problems from the start.
  4. There was a small hiccup in the meeting schedule.
  5. The machine suffered a malfunction.
  6. She faced a difficult challenge at work.
  7. The team overcame every setback.
  8. He found himself in a complicated predicament.
  9. The new tax rules introduced complexity to the process.
  10. The lawyer explained the legal entanglement.

6.2. Complex Sentence Examples

  1. Despite careful planning, a sudden glitch in the system delayed the launch.
  2. The patient’s recovery was hampered by several unforeseen complications.
  3. Negotiations broke down due to a series of bureaucratic impediments.
  4. The intricacies of the legal process baffled the inexperienced client.
  5. Her decision led to a moral dilemma with no easy solution.
  6. The study examines the nuances of cultural adaptation in depth.
  7. The financial crisis presented numerous barriers to economic growth.
  8. The team had to resolve a significant issue before proceeding.
  9. Unanticipated wrinkles in the plan required immediate attention.
  10. His dishonesty created a web of entanglements that was difficult to escape.

6.3. Contextual Examples by Category

Medical (5 sentences):

  1. The surgery was successful, but a post-operative complication developed.
  2. She experienced a severe allergic reaction as a side effect.
  3. Long-term sequelae of the disease include nerve damage.
  4. Infection is a common complication after this procedure.
  5. The treatment reduced symptoms without significant side effects.

Technical (5 sentences):

  1. A software glitch caused the computer to crash.
  2. The engineers fixed the mechanical malfunction quickly.
  3. Network issues disrupted service overnight.
  4. A programming error led to security vulnerabilities.
  5. The team encountered a hardware failure during testing.

Literary (5 sentences):

  1. The protagonist’s lies led to endless entanglements.
  2. She found herself in a moral predicament with no easy escape.
  3. The story’s intricacies reveal themselves gradually.
  4. His choices created a labyrinth of difficulties.
  5. The plot thickens as new complications arise.

Everyday (5 sentences):

  1. We ran into a snag while booking our tickets.
  2. The minor hiccup didn’t affect the outcome.
  3. She dealt with each problem calmly.
  4. Traffic was the main obstacle to arriving on time.
  5. The rain was a temporary setback to our plans.

6.4. Synonyms in Comparison

Let’s compare similar sentences to highlight subtle differences.

Table 6: Contrastive Examples of Synonyms
Sentence A Sentence B Difference
We encountered a minor hiccup during the presentation. We encountered a serious setback during the presentation. “Hiccup” suggests a small, temporary issue. “Setback” implies a significant delay.
The new law introduced several complications. The new law introduced several nuances. “Complications” are difficulties; “nuances” are subtle differences or complexities.
She faced a challenge at work. She faced a problem at work. “Challenge” can be positive; “problem” is negative.
The system suffered a malfunction. The system suffered a glitch. “Malfunction” is more serious than “glitch.”

6.5. Example Tables

Below are summary tables for quick reference. Each includes a definition and a distinct example sentence.

Table 1: Synonyms and Definitions with Example Sentences
Synonym Definition Example Sentence
Problem Something that needs to be solved or dealt with The team solved the problem quickly.
Obstacle Something that blocks progress They overcame every obstacle in their path.
Setback Delay or reversal in progress The injury was a setback for the athlete.
Challenge Something difficult but potentially rewarding Learning a language is a challenge.
Glitch Minor technical problem A glitch caused the alarm to go off.
Table 2: Synonyms by Register with Example Sentences
Register Synonym Example Sentence
Formal Impediment Poor planning is an impediment to success.
Informal Snag We hit a snag in the plan.
Technical Malfunction The device malfunctioned during testing.
Medical Sequela The illness left several sequelae.
Table 3: Synonyms by Severity with Example Sentences
Severity Synonym Example Sentence
Minor Hiccup The process had a minor hiccup.
Major Crisis The company faced a crisis last year.
Subtle Nuance There is a nuance to this argument.
Table 4: Synonyms in Different Contexts
Context Synonym Example Sentence
Medical Complication The operation had a serious complication.
Technical Glitch A glitch caused the failure.
General Problem We have a problem to solve.
Literary Predicament She found herself in a predicament.
Table 5: Incorrect vs. Correct Usage Examples
Incorrect Correct Explanation
He had a sequela with his car. He had a malfunction with his car. “Sequela” is medical; “malfunction” fits technical contexts.
The meeting had a complication about the snacks. The meeting had a snag about the snacks. “Complication” is too formal or serious here; “snag” is informal.

7. Usage Rules

7.1. General Guidelines for Synonym Selection

  • Consider context: Use technical synonyms (e.g., “malfunction”) for machines, medical for health, general for daily life.
  • Audience: Choose words familiar to your listeners or readers.
  • Formality: In academic or professional writing, prefer precise and formal synonyms.
  • Severity: Match the intensity of the word to the seriousness of the situation.

7.2. Subject-Specific Usage

  • Technical: “Glitch,” “malfunction,” “error” for machines and systems.
  • Medical: “Complication,” “sequela,” “side effect” for health and medicine.
  • General: “Problem,” “difficulty,” “snag” for everyday situations.

7.3. Collocation and Phrase Patterns

Some synonyms are commonly used in idiomatic phrases:

  • “Hit a snag”
  • “Overcome an obstacle”
  • “Face a setback”
  • “Experience a complication”
  • “Minor hiccup”

7.4. Plurality and Article Use

  • “A/an” is used for singular, countable synonyms: a problem, a complication, an obstacle.
  • “The” is for specific references: the problem we discussed.
  • Some synonyms are typically uncountable in certain uses (e.g., “complexity,” “nuance”).
  • Most can be pluralized: problems, complications, obstacles, snags, hiccups.

7.5. Common Exceptions and Special Cases

Table 7: Special Cases and Exceptions
Synonym Special Usage Example
Sequela Medical only; plural: sequelae The sequelae of the illness were severe.
Glitch Usually technical or digital A glitch in the code caused delays.
Nuance Refers to subtlety, not difficulty The nuance of her tone was lost in translation.
Challenge Can be positive; not always a problem He enjoys a good challenge.

8. Common Mistakes

8.1. Confusing Similar Synonyms

Some synonyms are easily confused. For example, “issue” can be more neutral than “problem,” and “complication” is often more serious or specific.

Table 8: Frequently Confused Synonyms
Synonyms Incorrect Use Correct Use
Issue vs. Problem This is a serious issue and must be fixed immediately. (context: minor bug) This is a minor issue and can be fixed later.
Complication vs. Problem We had a complication with our homework. (context: simple error) We had a problem with our homework.

8.2. Register and Tone Errors

  • Using “snag” or “hiccup” in formal academic writing is inappropriate.
  • Using “sequela” in casual conversation is confusing for general audiences.

8.3. Collocation Mistakes

  • Incorrect: We suffered a nuance in the plan.
  • Correct: We suffered a setback in the plan.

8.4. Overgeneralization

Do not use “problem” or “complication” to describe every difficulty. Choose words like “snag,” “obstacle,” or “glitch” when appropriate.

8.5. Examples of Incorrect vs. Correct Usage

  1. Incorrect: The company faced a major hiccup.
    Correct: The company faced a major setback.
  2. Incorrect: She experienced a side effect in her computer.
    Correct: She experienced a glitch in her computer.
  3. Incorrect: We had a sequela during the meeting.
    Correct: We had a snag during the meeting.
  4. Incorrect: He solved the intricacy quickly.
    Correct: He solved the problem quickly.
  5. Incorrect: The malfunction in her relationship was obvious.
    Correct: The complication in her relationship was obvious.
  6. Incorrect: The dilemma caused her stomach pain.
    Correct: The complication caused her stomach pain.
  7. Incorrect: The snag was a serious one.
    Correct: The setback was a serious one.
  8. Incorrect: The nuance delayed the project.
    Correct: The obstacle delayed the project.
  9. Incorrect: There was a setback in the computer code.
    Correct: There was a glitch in the computer code.
  10. Incorrect: He faced a challenge with his broken car.
    Correct: He faced a problem with his broken car.

9. Practice Exercises

9.1. Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises

  1. The engineers fixed the minor ______ in the machine. (glitch, problem, obstacle)
  2. The marathon runner overcame several ______ during the race. (setbacks, nuances, side effects)
  3. The new policy created unforeseen ______ for small businesses. (complications, hiccups, sequelae)
  4. She faced a moral ______ when making her decision. (predicament, obstacle, issue)
  5. A small ______ in the process was quickly resolved. (hiccup, crisis, barrier)
  6. After the operation, the patient developed a serious medical ______. (complication, snag, nuance)
  7. Language ______ can make negotiations difficult. (barriers, glitches, sequelae)
  8. The technical ______ was resolved by the IT team. (issue, problem, intricacy)
  9. His dishonesty led to several legal ______. (entanglements, glitches, setbacks)
  10. There are many ______ in understanding this complex topic. (intricacies, obstacles, malfunctions)

9.2. Correction Exercises

  1. He experienced a side effect in his car. (Correct the synonym)
  2. The nuance delayed the meeting. (Correct the synonym)
  3. We hit a sequela in our travel plans. (Correct the synonym)
  4. The hiccup was a major one. (Correct the synonym)
  5. The computer had a predicament. (Correct the synonym)

9.3. Identification Exercises

  1. Identify the synonym in: “The operation had an unexpected complication.”
  2. Identify the synonym in: “A minor glitch caused the system to reboot.”
  3. Identify the synonym in: “They overcame every obstacle.”
  4. Identify the synonym in: “She faced a challenge.”
  5. Identify the synonym in: “The patient developed several sequelae.”
  6. Identify the synonym in: “Negotiations hit a snag.”
  7. Identify the synonym in: “The company suffered a setback.”
  8. Identify the synonym in: “Language barriers made communication difficult.”
  9. Identify the synonym in: “His decision created a moral dilemma.”
  10. Identify the synonym in: “There are many intricacies in this process.”

9.4. Sentence Construction

  • Write a sentence using “complication” in a medical context.
  • Write a sentence using “snag” in an informal context.
  • Write a sentence using “glitch” in a technical context.
  • Write a sentence using “predicament” in a literary context.
  • Write a sentence using “challenge” with a positive connotation.

9.5. Matching Exercises

Match the Synonym to Its Definition
Synonym Definition
Snag A small unexpected problem or obstacle
Sequela A medical condition resulting from a previous illness
Glitch A minor fault in a system or machine
Predicament A difficult or unpleasant situation
Intricacy Complex detail or complicated aspect

9.6. Answer Key

  1. Fill-in-the-Blank Answers:
    1. glitch
    2. setbacks
    3. complications
    4. predicament
    5. hiccup
    6. complication
    7. barriers
    8. issue
    9. entanglements
    10. intricacies
  2. Correction Exercises Answers:
    1. glitch
    2. obstacle or setback
    3. snag
    4. setback
    5. glitch
  3. Identification Exercises Answers:
    1. complication
    2. glitch
    3. obstacle
    4. challenge
    5. sequelae
    6. snag
    7. setback
    8. barriers
    9. dilemma
    10. intricacies
  4. Matching Exercises Answers:
    1. Snag – A small unexpected problem or obstacle
    2. Sequela – A medical condition resulting from a previous illness
    3. Glitch – A minor fault in a system or machine
    4. Predicament – A difficult or unpleasant situation
    5. Intricacy – Complex detail or complicated aspect

10. Advanced Topics

10.1. Subtle Nuances and Connotative Differences

  • Complication vs. Problem: Both refer to difficulties, but “complication” often implies something making a situation worse or more complex, while “problem” is more general.
  • Setback: Usually delays or reverses progress, not just a general difficulty.
  • Challenge: Can carry a positive sense of opportunity for growth.
  • Nuance: Refers to subtlety, not necessarily a negative complication.

10.2. Idiomatic Usage

  • “Hit a snag”: Encounter an unexpected problem.
  • “Throw a wrench in the works”: Cause a complication.
  • “No strings attached”: Free from complications or entanglements.

10.3. Synonyms in Academic and Technical Writing

  • Use precise terms: “impediment,” “malfunction,” “barrier,” “complication”.
  • Avoid colloquialisms such as “snag,” “hiccup,” “glitch” in formal writing.
  • In medical writing, use “complication,” “sequela,” “side effect” with care and accuracy.

10.4. Synonyms in Literary and Creative Writing

  • Writers may use “entanglement,” “predicament,” “labyrinth,” “web,” “twist” for dramatic or metaphorical effect.
  • Choice of synonym shapes mood and tone.

10.5. Cross-Linguistic Comparison

Some languages have distinct terms for medical, technical, and general complications. For example, in Spanish, “complicación” is for medical issues, “problema” is general, and “traba” for obstacles.

Be cautious with direct translations to avoid confusion.

10.6. Lexical Evolution and Register Shift

Some synonyms have shifted register or meaning over time. “Glitch” was once technical jargon but is now widely used. “Challenge” has evolved to carry more positive connotations in modern usage.

11. FAQ Section

  • What are the most common synonyms for “complication” in everyday English?
    Problem, issue, snag, obstacle, setback, challenge, hiccup.
  • How do I decide which synonym to use in academic writing?
    Choose precise, formal synonyms suitable for your field—e.g., “complication” (medical), “impediment” (legal), “malfunction” (technical).
  • Are “problem,” “issue,” and “complication” interchangeable?
    No—they overlap but differ in connotation and context. “Problem” is general, “complication” is often more severe or specific, and “issue” can be neutral or ongoing.
  • What are some formal synonyms for “complication”?
    Impediment, obstacle, barrier, predicament, intricacy.
  • Can “complication” be used in a positive sense?
    Rarely. Synonyms like “challenge” are more positive; “complication” typically implies difficulty.
  • What is the difference between “setback” and “complication”?
    “Setback” means a reversal or delay; “complication” is an added difficulty. A setback can be a kind of complication, but not all complications are setbacks.
  • How do I use medical synonyms for “complication” correctly?
    Use “complication” for new medical problems, “sequela” for long-term effects, “side effect” for medication reactions. Only use them in medical contexts.
  • Which synonyms are considered informal or colloquial?
    Hiccup, snag, glitch, wrinkle (as in “a wrinkle in the plan”).
  • What are some rare or advanced synonyms for “complication”?
    Sequela (medical), intricacy, entanglement, dilemma, labyrinth.
  • How do I avoid repetition when writing about complications?
    Use a variety of synonyms tailored to context, and alternate sentence structure to maintain interest and clarity.
  • Are there any idioms that mean “complication”?
    Yes, such as “hit a snag,” “throw a wrench in the works,” and “run into trouble.”
  • How do synonyms of “complication” vary by English dialect (US/UK)?
    Some synonyms like “glitch” and “snag” are common in both, but usage can vary; “wrinkle” (for a minor problem) is more American, while “snag” is more British.

12. Conclusion

Mastering synonyms for “complication” empowers you to communicate with greater precision, variety, and clarity. This article has introduced you to dozens of powerful alternatives, explained their nuances, and provided practical guidelines for choosing the right word in every context.

Remember to consider context, register, severity, and connotation when selecting a synonym. Avoid common mistakes by consulting the tables and examples provided.

Practice with the exercises to internalize correct usage, and continue expanding your vocabulary with further reading and writing.

For deeper learning, explore advanced grammar and vocabulary resources, and experiment with these synonyms in your own writing. With practice, you’ll be able to express even the most complex situations with accuracy and style.

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