Etymology : Middle English compleynte, from Middle French complainte, from Old French, from complaindre
Pronunciation : k&m-plAnt
Function : noun
Date : 14th century
1. finding fault, act of expressing displeasure; pleading entered by a plaintiff (Law). complaint\com*plaint"\ , n. [f. complainte. see:
complain.].
2. expression of grief, regret, pain, censure, or resentment; lamentation; murmuring; accusation; fault-finding. i poured out my complaint before him. cxlii.
3. grievous complaints of you.
4. cause or subject of complaint or murmuring. the poverty of the clergy in england hath been the complaint of all who wish well to the church.
5. an ailment or disease of the body. one in a complaint of his bowels.
6. (law) a formal allegation or charge against a party made or presented to the appropriate court or officer, as for a wrong done or a crime committed (in the latter case, generally under oath); an information; accusation; the initial bill in proceedings in equity.
7. Expression of grief, regret, pain, censure, or resentment; lamentation; murmuring; accusation; fault-finding.
8. Cause or subject of complaint or murmuring.
9. An ailment or disease of the body.
10. A formal allegation or charge against a party made or presented to the appropriate court or officer, as for a wrong done or a crime committed ; an information; accusation; the initial bill in proceedings in equity. the first pleading of the plaintiff setting out the facts on which the claim for relief is based an expression of grievance or resentment a loud cry of pain or rage or sorrow.
11. 1. A complaint is a statement in which you express your dissatisfaction with a particular situation. There's been a record number of complaints about the standard of service on Britain's railways People have been reluctant to make formal complaints to the police.
12. A complaint is a reason for complaining. My main complaint is that we can't go out on the racecourse anymore.
13. You can refer to an illness as a complaint, especially if it is not very serious. Eczema is a common skin complaint which often runs in families. = ailment.