Skip to main content
ombudsman

ombudsman

10 7.9
A person who looks into complaints people make about the government or public services
  • noun
  • /ˈɑmˌbʊdz.mən/
  • Formal
translation icon : defensor del pueblo
  • Many citizens feel more confident raising issues when there's an ombudsman to oversee their complaints.
  • ombudsman program
  • ombudsman office
  • complaint with an ombudsman

Examples

  • Leading commercial companies have created ombudsman programs in which one person receives, investigates, and responds to employee complaints.

    Academic text (1997)
  • The result was a compromise, with the ombudsman's activities confined primarily to groups not covered by collective agreements.

    Academic text (1991)
  • And the Financial Ombudsman is funded by the banks, so they listen to the bank.

  • I want to take this up with the Banking Ombudsman.

  • The problem is that the ombudsman may lack the authority to solve problems in line departments.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Poland has created an ombudsman who has been very effective in prison matters and other affairs.

    Academic text (1991)
  • The findings of the ombudsman often become a guide for good administrative procedures and an inspiration for new legislation.

    Academic text (2001)
  • In recent years, there has been increased linkage between the ombudsman and the Legal Services community around advocacy for older persons.

    Academic text (1991)
  • If you have a complaint about a public service, you can approach the ombudsman for assistance.

  • The ombudsman investigated the allegations of misconduct against the local council.

Synonyms

ombudsperson
vsombudsman
  • Formal
1 7.8

An independent person who looks into complaints about unfair treatment and helps solve problems in government or organizations

focuses mainly on investigating public maladministration rather than resolving disputes
ombudswoman
vsombudsman
  • Formal
7.9

A woman official who investigates complaints about government or public services

is the same role but refers to the position in gender-neutral form

How Independent

ombudsman
  • Formal
10 7.9
inspector general
  • Formal
97 6.0
internal auditor
  • Specialized
1 3.8
advocate
282 4.1

Surface Forms

ombudsman singular
ombudsmen plural

Etymology

Ombudsman comes from Swedish words ombud ('representative') and man ('person'). So an ombudsman is the person who represents the public and looks into complaints about government or large organizations.