grievance

/ˈɡɹi.vəns/noun

A problem or unfair treatment that gives someone a reason to complain.

Example sentences

“The workers listed their grievances in a letter to management.”
“Customers can submit a grievance through the company's website.”

In workplaces it is a formal term: to file a grievance is to start an official complaint procedure. 'To air grievances' means to state them openly; 'to nurse a grievance' means to keep resentment alive.

Synonyms for grievance

complaint
grudge
objection
gripe

Often confused with grievance

grievance vs grief: grief (noun): Deep sadness, especially the kind felt after losing someone or something important.

Related words

grimVery serious, gloomy, or worrying; suggesting that things are bad or may get worse.gratuitousGiven or done without payment or without being deserved; unnecessary and uncalled for.grotesqueStrange and ugly in a shocking or unnatural way, often to the point of being disturbing or absurd.grovelTo act in a very humble way, begging or flattering someone to win their forgiveness or favor.gruffRough and unfriendly in voice or manner.guileCleverness used to trick or deceive people.