grievance

noun

griev·​ance ˈgrē-vən(t)s How to pronounce grievance (audio)
Synonyms of grievance
1
: a cause of distress (such as an unsatisfactory working condition) forming the reason for complaint or resistance
Their chief grievance was the unsafe work environment.
2
: the formal expression of a grievance : complaint
filed a grievance against her employer
3
obsolete : suffering, distress

Synonyms of grievance

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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

Examples of grievance in a Sentence

He has a deep sense of grievance against his former employer. She has been nursing a grievance all week. In the petition, the students listed their many grievances against the university administration. Several customers came to the front desk to air their grievances.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Professional sports have always thrived on heroes, villains, rivalries and grievances. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026 The worst of the grievances came from the Sleep Inn family shelter, including photos showing mushrooms growing inside a room. — Renee Anderson, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 Union filed grievance After Biscari’s plea, the city suspended him without pay and announced plans to fire him. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026 Matthew Lillard During a reunion panel for the cast of Scream at Midsummer Scream in August 2026, a fan approached the mic during the audience Q&A portion with a particular grievance aimed at actor Matthew Lillard. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grievance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English grevaunce, grevance "offense, ground for complaint, resentment, hardship, sickness," borrowed from Anglo-French, from grever "to be a burden to, harm, afflict" + -aunce, -ance -ance — more at grieve

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of grievance was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

griesly
grievance
grievant
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Cite this Entry

“Grievance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grievance. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

grievance

noun
griev·​ance ˈgrē-vən(t)s How to pronounce grievance (audio)
1
: a cause of distress giving reason for complaint
2
: the formal expression of a grievance : complaint

Legal Definition

grievance

noun
griev·​ance ˈgrē-vəns How to pronounce grievance (audio)
1
: a cause of distress (as an unsatisfactory working condition or unfair labor practice) felt to afford a reason for complaint or dispute
especially : a violation of a collective bargaining agreement usually by the employer
2
: the formal expression of a grievance brought especially by an employee as the initial step toward resolution through a grievance procedure see also arbitration, grievance arbitration at arbitration, mediation

More from Merriam-Webster on grievance

Nglish: Translation of grievance for Spanish Speakers

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