Word
complainant
Phoneticscom·plainant
US/kəmˈpɫeɪnənt/
UK/kəmplˈeɪnənt/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person who makes a formal complaint against someone else, especially in a court of law. This is the person who starts a legal case because they feel they were treated unfairly.
n. the party who brings a formal legal charge or complaint against another in a court of law or administrative hearing.
Examples
“The complainant gave her statement to the police yesterday.”
“During the hearing, the complainant provided several documents to support his claim of unfair dismissal.”
“Legal counsel for the defense argued that the complainant had failed to provide sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case of negligence against the corporation.”
Examples
simple
“The complainant gave her statement to the police yesterday.”
contextual
“During the hearing, the complainant provided several documents to support his claim of unfair dismissal.”
complex
“Legal counsel for the defense argued that the complainant had failed to provide sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case of negligence against the corporation.”
Usage
Commonly used in legal and formal administrative contexts; often contrasted with the 'defendant'.
Real-World Examples
“A dispute over a solar panel plan is resolved, with the complainant now a proponent for the site.” “Complainant C, the second alleged victim to give evidence, said he told friends and family about the abuse once he had stopped working for Jones.” Etymology
From Old French complaignant, present participle of complaindre.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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