noun
complaint
kuhm-PLAYNT
noun
1
A statement expressing dissatisfaction or a problem.
"The hotel manager took the complaint seriously and offered a refund."
"She filed a complaint after receiving the wrong order."
2
A medical problem or symptom.
"Back pain is a common complaint among office workers."
3
A formal legal document stating the facts and claims that start a lawsuit.
"The lawyer filed the complaint with the county court."
How to Use Complaint
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal or informal statement of dissatisfaction, or a medical symptom.
Common pairings
file a complaint
lodge a complaint
common complaint
Word Forms
complaints plural
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Etymology
From Old French compleindre, ultimately from Latin planctus, "a lamenting" — related to "plaint" and "complain."