grievance
GREE-vuhns
Grievance (noun) means a formal complaint, especially about unfair treatment at work. Example: “The union filed a grievance over the unpaid overtime.”
noun
1
A formal complaint, especially about unfair treatment at work.
"If you want the problem fixed, you'll have to file a grievance with the city."
"The union filed a grievance over the unpaid overtime."
2
A real or perceived wrong that someone feels resentful about.
"He still holds a grievance against his old business partner."
How to use grievance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal complaint, or a lingering sense of having been wronged.
Common pairings
file a grievance
air a grievance
a long-standing grievance
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Word forms
- Plural
- grievances
Fill the gap
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The union filed a _____ over the unpaid overtime.
Etymology
From Old French grievance, built on the verb grever ("to burden, to harm") — related to "grieve."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for grievance
See all rhymes for grievance →Frequently asked questions
What does “grievance” mean?
The word “grievance” means a formal complaint, especially about unfair treatment at work. In plain terms, a formal complaint, or a lingering sense of having been wronged.
How do you pronounce “grievance”?
“Grievance” is pronounced GREE-vuhns (/ˈɡɹiː.vəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “grievance” in a sentence?
Here is “grievance” used in a sentence: “The union filed a grievance over the unpaid overtime.”
What is another word for “grievance”?
Words with a similar meaning to “grievance” include gravamen.
What part of speech is “grievance”?
“Grievance” is a noun.
Where does the word “grievance” come from?
The word “grievance” comes from Old French. From Old French grievance, built on the verb grever ("to burden, to harm") — related to "grieve.".
Is “grievance” a common word?
“Grievance” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “grievance” have?
“Grievance” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal complaint, especially about unfair treatment at work.
