Definition

1. Noun:
   • A statement expressing that something is unsatisfactory or unacceptable: A formal or informal expression of discontent, criticism, or grievance.
   • (Law) A formal charge or accusation: In legal contexts, it is the initial pleading by a plaintiff in a civil suit or a formal charge in a criminal case.
   • (Medical) An ailment or disorder: A physical or medical problem that a patient reports to a doctor.
   • (Archaic) A loud cry of sorrow, pain, or anger: An old-fashioned term for a lament or outcry.

Usage Examples

• General Expression of Discontent:
  • The customer filed a complaint about the poor service.
  • Her main complaint was the constant noise from the construction site.
• Legal Context:
  • The lawsuit began with the filing of a formal complaint.
  • He was arrested on a complaint of theft.
• Medical Context:
  • The patient's chief complaint was severe back pain.
  • It's a common complaint among office workers.

Advanced Usage

• "To have no complaint": To be satisfied; to have no reason for discontent.
  • I have no complaint about my working conditions.
• "The subject of complaint": The specific thing that is being complained about.
  • Late delivery was the main subject of complaint.

Variants and Related Words

• Complain (verb): To express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.
  • He called to complain about the bill.
• Complainant (noun): A person who makes a formal complaint in a legal context.
  • The complainant alleged fraud.
• Complainingly (adverb): In a manner that expresses complaint.
  • She spoke complainingly about the long wait.

Synonyms

• Grievance: A real or imagined cause for complaint, especially unfair treatment.
• Protest: A statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something.
• Criticism: The expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.
• Allegation (Legal): A claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically one made without proof.

Related Phrases

• Lodge a complaint: To make a formal complaint, especially to an authority.
  • They decided to lodge a complaint with the manager.
• Letter of complaint: A written document expressing dissatisfaction.
  • She sent a letter of complaint to the company's headquarters.

Idioms

• A bellyache (informal, often as a verb "to bellyache"): To complain persistently and annoyingly.
  • He's always bellyaching about his workload.
• A cause for complaint: A valid reason to be dissatisfied.
  • The broken heater was a real cause for complaint during the winter.

Noun

1. (criminal law) a pleading describing some wrong or offense
   • he was arrested on a charge of larceny
2. (civil law) the first pleading of the plaintiff setting out the facts on which the claim for relief is based
3. an expression of grievance or resentment
4. (formerly) a loud cry (or repeated cries) of pain or rage or sorrow
5. an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining