complaint

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.

“Complaint” is pronounced kuhm-PLAYNT (/kəmˈpleɪnt/ in IPA).

Here is “complaint” used in a sentence: “The hotel manager took the complaint seriously and offered a refund.”

Words with a similar meaning to “complaint” include complaint of an offence, offense, criminal information, inform the police, authorities and notification of the police.

“Complaint” is a noun.

The word “complaint” comes from Latin. From Old French compleindre, ultimately from Latin planctus, "a lamenting" — related to "plaint" and "complain.".

“Complaint” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Complaint” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a statement expressing dissatisfaction or a problem.

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.

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.

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.