# grievance

/ˈɡɹivəns/ (US) · /ɡɹˈiːvəns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/grievance
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a formal complaint

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a formal complaint made by a worker to their employer because they feel they have been treated unfairly.

For teachers: a formal complaint filed by an employee or union representative regarding a violation of a contract or unfair treatment.

- The factory worker filed a formal grievance after his request for leave was denied.
- The union representative advised the staff to file a collective grievance regarding the unsafe working conditions in the warehouse.

Usage: Often used with the verbs 'file', 'lodge', or 'air'.

### 3. a cause for complaint

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a real or imagined reason for complaining about something.

For teachers: the grounds or justification for a complaint; a specific instance of perceived injustice.

- The committee met to listen to the students' grievances about the new rules.
- The manifesto listed several historical grievances that the movement sought to address through legislative reform.

## Examples

- The workers filed a grievance about the unsafe conditions.
- The human resources department established a formal process for employees to submit a grievance without fear of losing their jobs.
- Historical grievances regarding land ownership continue to influence the political landscape, often resurfacing during election cycles when candidates promise systemic reform to address past injustices.

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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.