Word
gripe
US/ˈɡɹaɪp/
UK/ɡɹˈaɪp/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small, annoying problem or complaint. You use this when you want to sound a bit more serious than just saying 'complaint'.
n. a complaint or grievance, typically one that is minor or trivial in nature.
Examples
“The only gripe I have is the slow internet.”
“While the car is otherwise reliable, the owner has a few minor gripes about the interior lighting.”
“The software update was generally well-received, though users voiced several gripes regarding the new interface's lack of customization options.”
Examples
simple
“The only gripe I have is the slow internet.”
contextual
“While the car is otherwise reliable, the owner has a few minor gripes about the interior lighting.”
complex
“The software update was generally well-received, though users voiced several gripes regarding the new interface's lack of customization options.”
Real-World Examples
“As mentioned, perhaps the biggest gripe at that stage was that Brentford’s lead wasn’t greater.” Etymology
From Middle English gripen, from Old English grīpan, from Proto-Germanic grīpaną, from Proto-Indo-European gʰreyb- (“to grab, grasp”). Cognate with West Frisian gripe, Low German griepen, Dutch grijpen, German greifen, Danish gribe, Swedish gripa. See also grip, grope.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/gripe