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
: the initial pleading that starts a lawsuit and that sets forth the plaintiff's allegations against the defendant
b
: a document sworn to by a crime victim or police officer that sets forth a criminal offense and commences proceedings in a magistrate's court
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 air district is still encouraging residents to report odors to its online complaint system or by calling (800) 288-7664.
—
Tony Briscoe,
Los Angeles Times,
2 July 2026
Under federal rules, if a complaint about an infant formula — such as a report of an adverse event — shows a possible health hazard, the company must investigate.
—
David Hilzenrath,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
On June 19, according to a criminal complaint, Horsch was parked illegally in a spot reserved for law enforcement on the edge of Independence National Historic Park, home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
—
Danny Freeman,
CNN Money,
1 July 2026
In response to a complaint from former Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, Herbstreit posted a lengthy diatribe on X completely misunderstanding the modern game.
—
Ian Miller Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for complaint
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Tony Briscoe,
Los Angeles Times,
2 July 2026
Under federal rules, if a complaint about an infant formula — such as a report of an adverse event — shows a possible health hazard, the company must investigate.
—
David Hilzenrath,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
On June 19, according to a criminal complaint, Horsch was parked illegally in a spot reserved for law enforcement on the edge of Independence National Historic Park, home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
—
Danny Freeman,
CNN Money,
1 July 2026
In response to a complaint from former Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, Herbstreit posted a lengthy diatribe on X completely misunderstanding the modern game.
—
Ian Miller Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for complaint
Cite this Entry
“Complaint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complaint. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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
