complainant

[kuhm-pley-nuhnt]

noun

1. a person, group, or company that makes a complaint, as in a legal action.

complainant

/ kəmˈpleɪnənt /

noun

1. law a person who makes a complaint, usually before justices; plaintiff

Word History and Origins

Origin of complainant¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Anglo-French compleignant (present participle of compleindre ). See complain, -ant

Example Sentences

It would allow complainants to take an appeal directly to the Department of Education when a district fails to meet the 60-day response deadline.

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The use of NDAs by a church is legal at present, but many safeguarding experts say these agreements amount to gagging orders which can be weaponised against whistle blowers and complainants.

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The complainants initially knew the lieutenant only as “Lt. Quinn,” and he is referred to as such in the federal complaints, though the correct spelling is “Quin.”

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Mr Bain's findings, which were leaked to BBC Wales in September, sparked a row after he said he was "not impressed" by the complainant's "demeanour when interviewed".

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"Police attended and spoke with the complainant however, the suspect had left the scene before officers arrived, and no arrest was made at the time."

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Related Words

• accuser 
• claimant 
• plaintiff