complaint
n.-
1 expression of dissatisfaction (n.) B1 Intermediatea statement that you are unhappy or not satisfied with a situation or service.
the act of expressing dissatisfaction or the statement itself regarding a perceived grievance.
ExampleThe customer made a formal complaint because the waiter was very rude.
ExampleThe department received a formal complaint regarding the lack of transparency in the recent promotion process.
UsageOften used with the verbs 'make', 'file', or 'lodge'.
PitfallI want to make a complain about the food.I want to make a complaint about the food.Use 'complain' as a verb and 'complaint' as a noun.
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2 legal accusation (n.) C1 Advanced Formal Technical Lawa formal legal document that starts a case or accuses someone of a crime.
a formal legal document that sets out the facts and legal reasons for a lawsuit or a criminal charge.
ExampleThe lawyer filed a complaint against the company for breaking the contract.
ExampleThe plaintiff's attorney drafted a civil complaint alleging breach of fiduciary duty and seeking compensatory damages.
UsageIn legal contexts, this is a countable noun referring to a specific document.
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3 medical illness (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Medicinean illness or a medical problem, usually one that is not very serious.
a physical ailment or medical disorder, often used when describing symptoms to a doctor.
ExampleHe went to the doctor because of a persistent stomach complaint.
ExampleThe patient presented with a minor respiratory complaint that had persisted for several weeks despite over-the-counter treatment.
Teacher's tipThis is a more formal way to say 'illness' or 'problem' in a medical context.
From Middle English compleynte, from Anglo-Norman compleint, from Old French compleindre, eventually from Latin planctus (whence plaint).