complaint
noun
uk/kəmˈpleɪnt/ us [ C ]
a written or spoken statement in which someone says that somebody has done something wrong or that something is not satisfactory:
lodge/make/receive a complaint The council has said that it received complaints but that it cannot disclose details.
deal with/handle complaints They have an efficient system in place for dealing with customer complaints.
complaint about sb/sth The gas company has promised to investigate the man's complaint about a quarterly bill for £1,500.
complaint against sb/sth Complaints against an employment agency should be made to the Employment Agencies Standards office.
[ C or U ]
the act of complaining, or a reason for someone to complain:
The biggest complaint about the new proposal is that it could increase costs.
cause/grounds for complaint On this occasion, shareholders have little cause for complaint.
We have received several letters of complaint.
[ C ] LAW
a formal statement that someone has harmed somebody else or done something illegal, which must be proved in a court of law:
file/lodge a complaint A complaint alleging financial wrongdoing was lodged with the district attorney's office.