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Grievance: meaning, definitions and examples

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grievance

 

[ ˈɡriːvəns ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

at work

A grievance is a formal complaint about something that you feel has been done wrong or unfair, especially in a work environment. Grievances are usually addressed through a specific process outlined by the company or organization.

Synonyms

complaint, dispute, objection

Examples of usage

  • The employees decided to file a grievance with human resources regarding the unfair treatment by their manager.
  • She raised a grievance about the lack of safety measures in the workplace.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

In legal terms, a grievance refers to a violation of someone's legal rights, which may lead to a lawsuit or legal action. Grievances in this context are typically related to discrimination, harassment, or other unlawful practices.

Synonyms

breach, infringement, violation

Examples of usage

  • The lawyer advised her to file a grievance against the company for wrongful termination.
  • The union took up the workers' grievances with the management.

Translations

Translations of the word "grievance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reclamação

🇮🇳 शिकायत

🇩🇪 Beschwerde

🇮🇩 keluhan

🇺🇦 скарга

🇵🇱 skarga

🇯🇵 不満

🇫🇷 plainte

🇪🇸 queja

🇹🇷 şikayet

🇰🇷 불만

🇸🇦 شكوى

🇨🇿 stížnost

🇸🇰 sťažnosť

🇨🇳 投诉

🇸🇮 pritožba

🇮🇸 kvörtun

🇰🇿 шағым

🇬🇪 საჩივარი

🇦🇿 şikayət

🇲🇽 queja

Word origin

The word 'grievance' originated from the Old French word 'grever' meaning 'to burden'. Over time, it evolved to include the sense of feeling burdened by something unjust or unfair. The use of 'grievance' in the legal context became prominent in the 19th century with the rise of workers' rights movements and labor unions.

See also: grief, griefer, griefing, grieve.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,467 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.