(~s)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
A ~ is a statement in which you express your dissatisfaction with a particular situation.
There’s been a record number of ~s about the standard of service on Britain’s railways...
People have been reluctant to make formal ~s to the police...
N-VAR: oft N about n
2.
A ~ is a reason for complaining.
My main ~ is that we can’t go out on the racecourse anymore.
N-COUNT
3.
You can refer to an illness as a ~, especially if it is not very serious.
Eczema is a common skin ~ which often runs in families.
= ailment
N-COUNT