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
• suer

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 complainant also alleged Hedspeth treated Black employees better than others. —Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025

In 2023, after the musician reportedly failed to appear in court, a jury in the civil trial awarded the complainant nearly $10 million in damages. —Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025

The department consistently sided with complainants, directing colleges to take a firmer stance against antisemitism and other forms of harassment or intimidation on campus. —Zach Montague, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2025

Officers reportedly located a BB rifle in Esposito’s residence that matched the description provided by the complainant. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 21 Jan. 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