What does "grievance" mean?
Something which causes grief.
Grievance
/ˈɡɹiː.vəns/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Something which causes grief.
- Grammar: grievance is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: abomination, academic dissent case, affliction, affront.
- Useful contrasts: acceptance, agreement, contentment.
- Usage evidence: I spent that day listening to the lonely scrapings of a pen. During that time, from time to time, I heard a Java sparrow twittering. It occurred to me that maybe Java sparrows twitter out of loneliness too. I walked out to the veranda to see. Nevertheless, flying to and fro between two perches busily and incessantly, it did not show the slightest hint of grievance.
How to use "grievance"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "grievance" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "grievance" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "grievance" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "grievance" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "grievance" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abomination" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "grievance", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Something which causes grief. countable
- 2 a complaint about a (real or imaginary) wrong that causes resentment and is grounds for action wordnet
- 3 A wrong or hardship suffered, which is the grounds of a complaint. countable
"[T]he King is vveary / Of daintie and ſuch picking greeuances, / For he hath found, to end one doubt by death, / Reuiues tvvo greater in the heires of life: […]"
- 4 an allegation that something imposes an illegal obligation or denies some legal right or causes injustice wordnet
- 5 Feelings of being wronged; outrage; resentment, bitterness or anger. uncountable
"The issues of harassment and/or bullying was the top common source of grievance, followed by discipline, and then new working practices."
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 a resentment strong enough to justify retaliation wordnet
- 7 A complaint or annoyance. countable
- 8 A formal complaint, especially in the context of a unionized workplace. countable
"If you want the problem fixed, you'll have to file a grievance with the city."
- 9 Violation of regulations or objectionable behavior. uncountable
"Indeed I do confess, that many times I have showed myself both less provident and less paiful for the benefit of the commonwealth, tha I should, or might, or intended to do hereafter; and have in many actions more respected the satisfying of my own particular humour, than either justice to some private persons, or the common good of all ; yet I did not at any time either omit duty or commit grievance, upon natural dulness or set malice; but partly by abuse of corrupt counsellors, partly by error of my youthful judgement."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"I spent that day listening to the lonely scrapings of a pen. During that time, from time to time, I heard a Java sparrow twittering. It occurred to me that maybe Java sparrows twitter out of loneliness too. I walked out to the veranda to see. Nevertheless, flying to and fro between two perches busily and incessantly, it did not show the slightest hint of grievance."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "grievance"?
Common synonyms include: abomination, academic dissent case, affliction, affront, aggrieving, allegation.
How do you use "grievance" in a sentence?
I spent that day listening to the lonely scrapings of a pen. During that time, from time to time, I heard a Java sparrow twittering. It occurred to me that maybe Java sparrows twitter out of loneliness too. I walked out to the veranda to see. Nevertheless, flying to and fro between two perches busily and incessantly, it did not show the slightest hint of grievance.
How do you pronounce "grievance"?
Pronounced /ˈɡɹiː.vəns/.
Etymology
From Old French grievance, from the verb grever (“to irritate; to bother; to annoy”) + -ance, equivalent to grieve + -ance.