# complainant

/kəmˈpɫeɪnənt/ (US) · /kəmplˈeɪnənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/complainant
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in legal and formal administrative contexts; often contrasted with the 'defendant'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.