complaint
noun
com·plaint
kəm-ˈplānt 
1
: expression of grief, pain, or dissatisfaction
She did her chores without complaint.
2
a
: something that is the cause or subject of protest or outcry
Inefficiency was the main complaint against the local government.
b
: a bodily ailment or disease
The patient's complaint was frequent headaches.
3
: a formal allegation against a party
The complaint alleges sexual harassment.
Examples of complaint in a Sentence
The board has received a number of complaints about the new policy.
The company has a system to handle customer complaints.
The lack of parking spaces is a common complaint among the city's residents.
The lack of financial support is our biggest complaint.
He is being treated for a stomach complaint.
Shortness of breath was a common complaint among the patients.
Recent Examples on the Web
The complaint alleged the men locked O.C.G. in a room for several days and released him only after his sister paid a ransom.
—
Arkansas Online, 30 May 2025
In 2023, 20 students suffered from the rare condition when they were made to do over 400 push-ups as punishment, according to the complaint.
—Kate Linderman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2025
The report echoes complaints shared throughout the industry, including by the world’s largest European soccer streamer, DAZN.
—ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
According to the mother's complaint, Sekulow and his son did not want to be associated with hiring a gay man at their organization the American Center for Law and Justice, Inc (ACLJ).
—Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for complaint
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Arkansas Online, 30 May 2025
In 2023, 20 students suffered from the rare condition when they were made to do over 400 push-ups as punishment, according to the complaint.
—Kate Linderman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2025
The report echoes complaints shared throughout the industry, including by the world’s largest European soccer streamer, DAZN.
—ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
According to the mother's complaint, Sekulow and his son did not want to be associated with hiring a gay man at their organization the American Center for Law and Justice, Inc (ACLJ).
—Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for complaint
Cite this Entry
“Complaint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complaint. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
complaint
noun
com·plaint
kəm-ˈplānt
1
: expression of grief, pain, or resentment
2
a
: a cause or reason for complaining
the noise was her biggest complaint
b
: a pain or sickness in the body
3
: a charge of illegal wrongdoing against a person
Medical Definition
complaint
noun
com·plaint
kəm-ˈplānt
: a bodily ailment or disease
bloating and other digestive complaints—Christine Gorman
Christine GormanLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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