Words to use to complain effectively to ensure a satisfactory response

What is the best way to complain? You should always write wherever possible when you need to resolve a complaint. This is for a number of reasons. See Why you should write not ‘phone to complain effectively It is easy to be tempted into being aggressive or abusive when you are really frustrated with being fobbed off. However, this will not get you the best results. See Top 20 tips for complaining effectively which will give you lots of pointers in what to put in your email or letter.

So now you are all set to write your letter of complaint! Here I provide some of the best words to use when complaining to companies!

This is a list of excellent words that I frequently use in complaint correspondence. Remember you should always remain objective when it comes to describing events. You can however say how you feel about them. Don’t exaggerate, be honest. Various words carry differing levels of strength so you should use what you believe is appropriate and proportionate to the issue. You should use these words carefully. Only a couple is fine you really don’t need to use them all in the one piece of correspondence! And remember don’t use all capitals which is the equivalent of shouting.

Words can often be used with “really”,  “absolutely”, “blatantly” and “utterly”

disgusted/disgusting
appalled/appalling
stunned/stunning
amazed/amazing
astounded/astounding
flabbergasted
dire
foul
rude
ignorant
diabolical
flawed
dreadful
unacceptable
inappropriate

You can use these words when describing the service you have received about a faulty item or poor service etc. This will help when you include your rights under the relevant laws, in particular the Consumer Rights Act 2015 

More help with consumer rights and how to assert them

Complaining about goods and services – all you need to know

You can also get more advice, tips, information and templates for your letters and further information in the book How to Complain: The Essential Consumer Guide to Getting Refunds, redress & Results!

101 Habits of an Effective Complainer to help you become more skilled and assertive when making complaints

Purchase downloadable templates to gain redress

What words do you like to use in your complaint correspondence?