grievance
What does "grievance" mean?
A grievance is a formal complaint or a deep-seated feeling of resentment, usually arising from a belief that one has been treated unfairly. Mentally, picture a heavy weight carried on one's shoulders because of an unresolved wrong or a perceived injustice. While it can refer to personal feelings of bitterness, the term is most frequently used in professional or legal settings. You will often hear about "filing a grievance" in a workplace or union context, which refers to the official process of reporting a violation of rights or contract terms.
"grievance" in conversation
Workplace dispute
I’m planning to file a formal grievance against my manager.
I’m planning to file a formal grievance against my manager.
That sounds serious. Is this about the overtime pay issue?
That sounds serious. Is this about the overtime pay issue?
Exactly, he keeps ignoring the contract terms.
Exactly, he keeps ignoring the contract terms.
Used here in the context of an official labor complaint.
Discussing a past issue
He still holds a grievance against me for that mistake years ago.
He still holds a grievance against me for that mistake years ago.
You should try to clear the air; it’s been long enough.
You should try to clear the air; it’s been long enough.
Used here to describe a personal, lingering feeling of resentment.
"grievance" in a sentence
The employees submitted a list of grievances to the management.
The employees submitted a list of grievances to the management.
He has a deep-seated grievance regarding his treatment at the company.
He has a deep-seated grievance regarding his treatment at the company.
The union representative helped the worker articulate her grievance during the mediation process.
The union representative helped the worker articulate her grievance during the mediation process.
