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 of complainant

• 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

However, Wahl declined to implement a recommendation allowing complainants to request a different supervisor when filing a complaint. —Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025

The complainants are asking for a full hearing before Nashville’s Board of Ethical Conduct, including subpoenas of Horton’s communications. —Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Nov. 2025

The victim's name is redacted on the report, but music producer Jonathan Hay identified himself as the complainant in social media posts that have since been removed. —Tonya Simpson, ABC News, 17 Nov. 2025

Adams is concerned about Benner, her dean, acting as both the complainant and administrator involved in investigating the complaint. —Cate Charron, IndyStar, 11 Nov. 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