What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
imbroglio
Example
The political imbroglio has left the country in a state of uncertainty. [imbroglio: noun]
Example
The company found itself in an imbroglio with its suppliers due to a miscommunication. [imbroglio: prepositional phrase]
complication
Example
The project faced a complication when the budget was cut unexpectedly. [complication: noun]
Example
The patient experienced a complication after surgery due to an infection. [complication: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Complication is more commonly used than imbroglio in everyday language, and it covers a wider range of contexts. Imbroglio is less common and more formal, and it is typically used to describe complex or confusing situations involving many people or factors.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between imbroglio and complication?
Imbroglio is more formal than complication, and it is typically used in academic or literary contexts. Complication is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more common word in everyday language.
