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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Complaint: Definition, Usage & Examples Explained (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：formal grievance (complaint)

complaint 🔊

/kəmˈpleɪnt/

When you say or write that you are unhappy about something or someone.

formal grievance 🔊

➕

/ˈfɔːrməl ˈɡriːvəns/

The act of expressing unhappiness or dissatisfaction about something or someone, often in a written or spoken manner.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：中级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'complangere' (to lament together), with 'com-' (together) and 'plangere' (to strike, lament).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'complain' plus 't' – when you complain, you make a complaint.

📖 Example

The customer made a complaint to the manager about the slow service. 🔊 The customer voiced a formal grievance to the manager regarding the slow service.

🔗 Collocations

file a complaint – to officially submit a complaint

lodge a complaint – to formally make a complaint

customer complaint – a complaint made by a customer

🔄 Synonyms

grievance (n.) – a real or imagined cause for complaint or protest

protest (n.) – a statement or action expressing disapproval or objection

objection (n.) – an expression or feeling of disapproval or opposition

🚫 Antonyms

praise (n.) – expression of approval or admiration

compliment (n.) – a polite expression of praise or admiration

🌱 Derivatives

complain (v.) – to express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'complangere', meaning to bewail together. In modern English, it's frequently used in legal documents, customer service, and formal grievances, reflecting structured expression of dissatisfaction.

Meaning 2：specific issue (complaint)

complaint 🔊

/kəmˈpleɪnt/

The specific thing that is wrong or unsatisfactory; the reason for your unhappiness.

specific issue 🔊

➕

/spəˈsɪfɪk ˈɪʃuː/

The particular thing that is wrong or unsatisfactory, serving as the reason for unhappiness or dissatisfaction.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：中级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Her main complaint was that the new phone's battery life was much shorter than advertised. 🔊 Her primary complaint concerned the new phone's battery life being significantly shorter than advertised.

🔗 Collocations

main complaint – the primary or most important complaint

list of complaints – a series of complaints written down

valid complaint – a complaint that is justified or reasonable

🔄 Synonyms

issue (n.) – a point or matter of discussion or dispute

problem (n.) – a matter regarded as unwelcome or harmful needing to be dealt with

gripe (n.) – a minor complaint

🚫 Antonyms

solution (n.) – a means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation

advantage (n.) – a condition or circumstance that puts one in a favorable position

🌱 Derivatives

complaining (adj.) – expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance