B1noun2K

Complaint

UK /["/kəmˈpleɪnt/"]/US /["/kəmˈpleɪnt/"]/

Definition

a reason for not being satisfied; a statement that somebody makes saying that they are not satisfied

In simple words: A statement saying that something is wrong or not good.

Examples

  • I filed a complaint with the manager about the poor service.
  • Her complaint was that the product did not meet her expectations.
  • The tenant made a formal complaint regarding the noise levels.
  • He constantly registers a complaint about the traffic in the city.
  • We received an official complaint from a customer about our delivery times.

Usage notes

Use 'complaint' in contexts where someone expresses dissatisfaction. It's appropriate in both spoken and written forms but should be avoided in very casual settings.

Grammar pattern

make + a complaint

Memory hint

Think of 'complain' and 'paint' — imagine painting over a problem with a complaint.

Collocations

  • serious
  • common
  • familiar
  • have
  • bring
  • file
  • arise
  • concern something
  • relate to something
  • complaint procedure
  • complaints procedure
  • complaint system
  • complaint about
  • complaint against
  • complaint from
  • cause for complaint
  • grounds for complaint
  • a chorus of complaint
  • minor
  • chronic
  • common
  • have
  • suffer from

Synonyms

  • grievance
  • protest
  • objection
  • claim
  • discontent

Antonyms

  • praise
  • compliment

Common mistakes

  • Using 'complaint' as a verb (it is a noun).
  • Confusing 'complaint' with 'complaining' (the action of expressing dissatisfaction).
  • Omitting the article 'a' before 'complaint' when necessary.