justifiable complaint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "justifiable complaint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a grievance or issue that is reasonable and warranted based on the circumstances. Example: "After reviewing the situation, I believe that your concerns about the service provided are indeed a justifiable complaint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

And there I believe the third world, the developing world, has a big and justifiable complaint.

Yale University

A competent agent will pursue a seemingly justifiable complaint on a client's behalf.

The New York Times - Travel

It started with the Paris attacks and the partly justifiable complaint that deadly bombings in Beirut just days before had not received the same media or political attention or expressions of support.

The Guardian - Opinion

Michael D. Mori, said, "Using the commission process just creates an unfair system that threatens to convict the innocent and provides the guilty a justifiable complaint as to their convictions".

The New York Times

These have been widely condemned by, among others, one of the military lawyers assigned to the detainees, who describes them as "an unfair system that threatens to convict the innocent and provide the guilty with a justifiable complaint as to their convictions".

The Economist

"But it's my conviction after examining babies, seeing X-rays and questioning doctors in Baghdad that there is a justifiable complaint about the violations of human rights". In addition to Dr. Pastore, a cardiologist at St . Elizabeths Hospital in Boston who also teaches at Tufts University, the team included four other physicians -- an American, a German, a Spaniard and a Russian.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Let this help us remember that the justifiable complaints about harassment, machismo and violence against women should not become an irresponsible persecution," wrote Mexico's national educational publishing agency in a statement.

The Telegraph

The government has decided to back a private member's bill, which would make it illegal to evict tenants who make justifiable complaints.

BBC

A government bill which would make it illegal to evict tenants who make justifiable complaints is due to have its second reading.

BBC

In each place, the formula is pretty much the same: demonstrators take to the streets by the thousands to decry varying degrees of corruption, insecurity, and a lack of democratic transparency — all justifiable citizens' complaints.

The New Yorker

Kamara has been painted as the pantomime villain in some quarters over his behaviour at Columbus this season, but he did have justifiable grounds for complaint.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clearly state what makes the complaint "justifiable". Provide context, evidence, or reasons to support the claim that the complaint is valid.

Common error

Avoid using "justifiable complaint" when expressing purely subjective dissatisfaction. The phrase implies a degree of objectivity and factual basis, so it's less appropriate for matters of personal taste or opinion without supporting evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "justifiable complaint" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "justifiable" modifies the noun "complaint". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. It is used to describe a complaint that is considered valid, reasonable, or defensible.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66.66%

Academia

16.66%

Science

16.66%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "justifiable complaint" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a grievance that has a reasonable and valid basis. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with neutral or professional register. Alternatives include phrases like "valid grievance" or "legitimate concern". When using this phrase, ensure that the context provides clear reasons why the complaint is considered justifiable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid grievance

Focuses on the legitimacy and factual basis of the complaint.

legitimate concern

Emphasizes the genuineness and importance of the issue.

well-founded objection

Highlights that the objection has a solid basis or reason.

reasonable grievance

Stresses that the complaint is fair and sensible under the circumstances.

valid objection

Similar to 'valid grievance' but focuses specifically on disagreement or opposition.

legitimate grievance

Highlights the lawfulness and permissibility of the grievance.

defensible complaint

Suggests the complaint can be supported with evidence and arguments.

substantiated claim

Indicates the complaint is backed up by evidence or proof.

merited criticism

Emphasizes that the criticism is deserved and appropriate.

justified grievance

Similar to "justifiable complaint", but may imply a stronger sense of moral rightness.

FAQs

What does "justifiable complaint" mean?

A "justifiable complaint" refers to a grievance or issue that is considered reasonable and valid based on the circumstances. It implies there is a legitimate basis for the complaint.

How to use "justifiable complaint" in a sentence?

You can use "justifiable complaint" to describe a situation where someone has a legitimate reason to complain. For example: "The customers had a "justifiable complaint" about the poor service."

What are some alternatives to "justifiable complaint"?

Some alternatives to "justifiable complaint" include "valid grievance", "legitimate concern", or "well-founded objection".

When is it appropriate to use "justifiable complaint"?

It is appropriate to use "justifiable complaint" when the grievance is supported by evidence or reasonable arguments. It's best used when the issue is not merely a matter of personal preference but has an objective basis.