complainant

noun

com·​plain·​ant kəm-ˈplā-nənt 

1

: the party who makes the complaint in a legal action or proceeding

2

: one who complains

Synonyms

• plaintiff

Examples of complainant in a Sentence

the complainant charged that the defendant had broken the ironclad contract that both had signed

Recent Examples on the Web

The boys' families' attorney, Josh Hetzler, told WJLA that the investigation has concluded with a 10-day suspension and no-contact order with the complainant. —Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025

The punishment includes a no-contact order with the complainant, including not being able to be in any of the same classes. —Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2025

There is, therefore, much reason to believe, that this mode of trying the legal right of the complainant, was deemed by the head of a department, and by the highest law officer of the United States, the most proper which could be selected for the purpose. —Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 29 July 2025

At least six locals need to approve the charges before kicking off a lengthy trial process between the complainants and UAW leadership. —Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 22 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

complainant

noun

com·​plain·​ant kəm-ˈplā-nənt 

1

: one who makes a legal complaint

2

: one who complains

Legal Definition

complainant

noun

com·​plain·​ant kəm-ˈplā-nənt 

: the party (as a plaintiff or petitioner) who makes the complaint in a legal action or proceeding