complaint
15 synonyms and 0 antonyms for complaint, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A statement expressing dissatisfaction or a problem.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use complaint
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French compleindre, ultimately from Latin planctus, "a lamenting" — related to "plaint" and "complain."
Full origin of complaint →Frequently asked questions
What does “complaint” mean?
The word “complaint” means a statement expressing dissatisfaction or a problem. In plain terms, a formal or informal statement of dissatisfaction, or a medical symptom.
How do you pronounce “complaint”?
“Complaint” is pronounced kuhm-PLAYNT (/kəmˈpleɪnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “complaint” in a sentence?
Here is “complaint” used in a sentence: “The hotel manager took the complaint seriously and offered a refund.”
What is another word for “complaint”?
Words with a similar meaning to “complaint” include complaint of an offence, offense, criminal information, inform the police, authorities and notification of the police.
What part of speech is “complaint”?
“Complaint” is a noun.
Where does the word “complaint” come from?
The word “complaint” comes from Latin. From Old French compleindre, ultimately from Latin planctus, "a lamenting" — related to "plaint" and "complain.".
Is “complaint” a common word?
“Complaint” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “complaint” have?
“Complaint” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a statement expressing dissatisfaction or a problem.
What is the difference between "complaint" and "grievance"?
A "complaint" is any expression of dissatisfaction, from minor to serious, and can be casual or formal. A "grievance" is usually a formal, serious complaint about being treated unfairly, often raised officially within a workplace or organization.
What is the difference between "complaint" and "criticism"?
A "complaint" expresses that you are unhappy or that something is wrong and often expects a remedy. "Criticism" evaluates something's strengths and weaknesses and may be constructive, without necessarily expressing personal dissatisfaction.
Do you "make a complaint" or "file a complaint"?
Both are correct. "Make a complaint" is more general and common in everyday speech, while "file a complaint" or "lodge a complaint" suggests a formal, official process, such as submitting one in writing to an authority.