Complainable

/kəmˈpleɪnəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Able to be complained about; worthy of complaint; capable of being the subject of a formal grievance or complaint.

Etymology

From complain (from Latin complainere, to lament together) + -able (capable of being). The -able suffix indicates something is a possible object or target of the action indicated by the root verb.

Kelly Says

The adjective 'complainable' is legalistic and bureaucratic—you see it in institutional policy documents more than everyday conversation. Its existence reveals how formal language creates adjectives for concepts that regular speakers would express differently, like saying 'This is something we can complain about' rather than 'This is complainable.'

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.