grievance

noun griev·ance \ˈgrē-vən(t)s\

: a feeling of having been treated unfairly

: a reason for complaining or being unhappy with a situation

: a statement in which you say you are unhappy or not satisfied with something

Full Definition of GRIEVANCE

obsolete : suffering, distress

: a cause of distress (as an unsatisfactory working condition) felt to afford reason for complaint or resistance

: the formal expression of a grievance : complaint

See grievance defined for English-language learners

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First Known Use of GRIEVANCE

14th century

Related to GRIEVANCE

Synonyms: down [chiefly British], grudge, resentment, score

Synonym Discussion of GRIEVANCE

injustice, injury, wrong, grievance mean an act that inflicts undeserved hurt. injustice applies to any act that involves unfairness to another or violation of one's rights <the injustices suffered by the lower classes>. injury applies in law specifically to an injustice for which one may sue to recover compensation <libel constitutes a legal injury>. wrong applies also in law to any act punishable according to the criminal code; it may apply more generally to any flagrant injustice <determined to right society's wrongs>. grievance applies to a circumstance or condition that constitutes an injustice to the sufferer and gives just ground for complaint <a list of employee grievances>.