Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

complaint

/kəmˈpleɪnt/

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.32 in modern English

Syllables
com-plaint
IPA
/kəmˈpleɪnt/
15
Scrabble Score
9
Letters
2
Syllables
9
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The act of complaining.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

A grievance, problem, difficulty, or concern.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

In a civil action, the first pleading of the plaintiff setting out the facts on which the claim is based.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

In criminal law, the preliminary charge or accusation made by one person against another to the appropriate court or officer, usually a magistrate.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

A bodily disorder or disease; the symptom of such a disorder.

Countable; Uncountable

Example Sentences

Etymology

From Middle English compleynte, from Anglo-Norman compleint, from Old French compleindre, eventually from Latin planctus (whence plaint).

Origin

Word Breakdown

Usage

Inflected Forms

Derived Forms

Phrases

Synonyms

grouch plaint moan noise ailment criminal complaint complaint of an offence offense charge charges criminal information inform the police

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce complaint?
The recorded pronunciation is /kəmˈpleɪnt/.
What does complaint mean?
The act of complaining.
Where does complaint come from?
It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce complaint

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “complaint”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/kəmˈpleɪnt/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “complaint”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “complaint” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.