complaint

[ kuhm-pleynt ]

noun

1. an expression of discontent, regret, pain, censure, resentment, or grief; lament; faultfinding:

   his complaint about poor schools.

2. a cause of discontent, pain, grief, lamentation, etc.
3. a cause of bodily pain or ailment; malady:

   The doctor says I suffer from a rare complaint.

   Synonyms: ailment, illness, sickness

4. Law. the first pleading of the plaintiff in a civil action, stating the cause of action.

complaint

/ kəmˈpleɪnt /

noun

1. the act of complaining; an expression of grievance
2. a cause for complaining; grievance
3. a mild ailment
4. English law a statement by which a civil proceeding in a magistrates' court is commenced

Other Words From

• coun·ter·com·plaint noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of complaint¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English compleynte, from Middle French complainte, from Latin com- com- + plancta plaint

Example Sentences

Since 1969, Republicans have railed against the “liberal media,” deploying a “complaint machine” to intimidate and guilt-trip the press.

From Salon

This is a version of a common right-wing complaint about Democrats.

From Slate

His complaint, obtained Wednesday by The Times, said that he and Prepon, both 44, had “suffered irreconcilable differences” and “are unable to live together successfully as husband and wife.”

From Los Angeles Times

On the advice of a superior she went to the police with Samuel Paty, where he filed a complaint, and contacted the local authority.

From BBC

In its complaint it mentioned the licensing deals OpenAI reached with the Associated Press and Axel Springer, but noted only that the AI firm has “offered no compensation” to Raw Story.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accusation
• charge
• criticism
• grievance
• gripe
• objection
• protest
• trouble