complaint

pronunciation

How to pronounce complaint in British English: UK [kəmˈpleɪnt] word uk audio image

How to pronounce complaint in American English: US [kəmˈpleɪnt] word us audio image

Noun:

an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining
(formerly) a loud cry (or repeated cries) of pain or rage or sorrow
an expression of grievance or resentment
(civil law) the first pleading of the plaintiff setting out the facts on which the claim for relief is based
(criminal law) a pleading describing some wrong or offense

Word Origin

complaint (n.): late 14c., "lamentation, grief," from Old French complainte (12c.) "complaint, lament," noun use of fem. past participle of complaindre (see complain). Meaning "bodily ailment" is from 1705 (often in U.S. colloquial use generalized as complaints).

Synonym

n.

bellyache squawk criticism protest gripe objection problem beef grumble stink grievance murmur

n.

crimination charge indictment accusation

n.

infection illness distemper pain ailment disorder sickness indisposition infirmity malady disease invalidism affliction

n.

denunciation objurgation reproach condemnation reproof reprehension rebuke castigation censure reprobation vituperation reprimand quarrel

Example

1. The most common complaint centres on foreign policy .

2. Democrats and labour supporters insist that the complaint is unremarkable .

3. To the surprise of many , the complaint has passed through several judicial stages .

4. The complaint is an increasingly familiar one of government interference .

5. All were announced on the same day the sec filed its complaint .

more: >How to Use "complaint" with Example Sentences