WordValecontraindication
a reason a treatment should not be used
In more detail
1. (noun) a medical reason not to use a particular treatment or medicine because it may cause harm to the patient
2. (noun) any reason or factor that makes something inadvisable or unsuitable
Examples
- Pregnancy is a contraindication for this drug, so the doctor will not prescribe it to pregnant women.
- His poor health was a contraindication to undertaking such a strenuous journey.
How to use contraindication
Contraindication is primarily a medical term referring to a clinical reason to avoid a particular treatment or drug. In broader usage, it means any factor or condition that advises against something, though this extended sense is less common in everyday English. It typically appears in formal, professional contexts.
Common phrases
- absolute contraindication
- relative contraindication
- medical contraindication
- contraindication for treatment
- contraindication to the use of
Synonyms
drawback · objection · obstacle · deterrent · reason against
Opposites
indication · advantage · advantage
Word family
contraindicate (verb) · contraindicated (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse contraindication with indication (which means a reason to use something), which are near opposites in medical contexts.
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