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Complaint Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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complaint

[kษ™mหˆpleษชnt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

formal

An expression of dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.

Synonyms

criticism, grievance, objection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
complaint

Used when expressing dissatisfaction or discontent about something, typically in a more general or formal context.

  • She filed a complaint with the customer service department about the defective product.
  • His frequent complaints about the noisy neighbors became a topic of discussion.
grievance

Applied in more formal or labor-related situations, representing a serious complaint or resentment due to perceived unfair treatment.

  • The employee filed a grievance over the company's unfair overtime policies.
  • The workers discussed their grievances during the union meeting.
criticism

Utilized when providing a negative evaluation or feedback, often focused on someone's performance, behavior, or work.

  • Her criticism of the manager's decision was both harsh and unwarranted.
  • The book received substantial criticism from critics for its lack of originality.
objection

Used primarily in legal or formal discussions to indicate disapproval or disagreement, often for specific reasons.

  • The lawyer raised an objection to the judge regarding the admissibility of the evidence.
  • He voiced his objection to the proposed changes during the board meeting.

Examples of usage

  • He filed a complaint with the manager about the poor service.
  • Her constant complaints about the noise were ignored by the neighbors.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

A formal statement setting out the cause of action or grounds for a lawsuit.

Synonyms

accusation, charge, claim.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
complaint

Use 'complaint' when expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance about something. It is generally less severe and often used in customer service or personal grievances.

  • I have a complaint about the service I received at your restaurant.
  • She filed a complaint with the homeowner's association about the noisy neighbors.
accusation

An 'accusation' usually implies a more serious situation where someone is being blamed or suspected of doing something wrong or illegal. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • He faced serious accusations of fraud and embezzlement.
  • The teacher's accusation of cheating was unfounded.
charge

A 'charge' is often used in legal or formal contexts where someone is officially accused of a crime or wrongdoing. This term suggests legal implications and official proceedings.

  • The police brought charges against the suspect for theft.
  • She was charged with assault after the altercation.
claim

A 'claim' can be used in various situations, such as when someone asserts something as true, often without immediate proof, or when making a formal request for something owed, like insurance.

  • He made a claim that he had seen a UFO.
  • You need to file a claim with the insurance company to get reimbursed.

Examples of usage

  • The complaint alleged negligence on the part of the defendant.
  • The lawyer drafted a complaint to be filed in court.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal contexts, a complaint is the first step in a lawsuit, where a person details the issues they want to address.
  • Complaints must follow specific formats and can lead to legal actions if not resolved amicably.
  • Civil complaints often involve issues like disputes between individuals or businesses and can impact reputations.

Psychology

  • Complaining can serve as a coping mechanism, allowing individuals to express frustrations and seek support.
  • Research indicates that frequent complaining may have negative effects on mental health, creating a cycle of dissatisfaction.
  • However, productive complaining can lead to problem-solving and necessary changes in one's environment.

Business

  • Customer complaints often provide valuable feedback to businesses, leading to improvements in products or services.
  • Effective complaint management is crucial for customer satisfaction and can enhance loyalty when handled well.
  • Many companies have dedicated teams to address complaints swiftly, as it's seen as an opportunity rather than just a problem.

Pop Culture

  • Complaints feature prominently in humorous settings, such as sitcoms, highlighting the absurdities of everyday life.
  • Social media platforms are now virtual spaces where people voice complaints, ranging from minor inconveniences to major issues.
  • Television shows often have characters who are known for their complaints, which can be both relatable and entertaining.

Origin of 'complaint'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'complaint' comes from the Latin 'complaintem,' meaning 'to express sorrow.'
  • In Middle English, it appeared as 'compleyne,' reflecting the emotion of sadness or grievance.
  • It evolved over time to represent not just sorrow but also discontent with situations or actions.

The word 'complaint' originated in Middle English from the Old French word 'complainte', which in turn came from the Latin word 'complangere' meaning 'to bewail'. Over time, the meaning of 'complaint' evolved to encompass both expressions of dissatisfaction and formal legal statements.

See also: complainant, complainer, complaining.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,015, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.