Complaint
/kəmˈpleɪnt/
Definitions
2 meaningsA statement expressing dissatisfaction or disapproval.
/kəmˈpleɪnt/
Expression of dissatisfaction
She made a complaint to the manager.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're unhappy about something. A complaint is when you tell someone you're not happy. Like saying, "This pizza is cold!" That's a complaint.
👶 For kids: Saying you don't like something.
More Examples
Numerous complaints have been received about the noise.
He filed a complaint with the police.
How It's Used
"The customer lodged a complaint about the faulty product."
"He filed a formal complaint against his neighbor."
To express dissatisfaction or unhappiness about something.
/kəmˈpleɪn/
To express dissatisfaction
She complained about the noise.
💡 Simply: To complain means to tell someone you're unhappy or upset about something. Like if your friend took your toy, you might complain, "Hey! That's mine!"
👶 For kids: To say you are unhappy about something.
More Examples
He constantly complained about his job.
They complained to the teacher about the homework.
How It's Used
"He complained about the long wait."
Idioms & expressions
Have a complaint
To have a reason to complain.
"If you have a complaint, please let us know."
From Middle French *compleinte, from Old French compleinte "complaint, lament," from Latin *complacent-, present participle of *complangere "to lament, bewail," from com- "together" + plangere "to strike, beat, weep."
Historically, 'complaint' carried a stronger connotation of lament or sorrow, as seen in its etymological roots.
Memory tip
Think of 'com' (together) and 'plain' (to express openly) - expressing something openly together (as a complaint).
Word Origin
"to strike, beat, weep"