expression

class action

a lawsuit filed by a group with the same complaint

In more detail

1. (noun) a legal case brought by one or more people on behalf of a large group of people who have the same problem or complaint

Examples

A class action lawsuit was filed against the company for selling defective products to thousands of customers.

How to use class action

A class action is a legal procedure primarily used in common law jurisdictions (especially the United States) where one or more plaintiffs represent a larger group with similar grievances. It is the standard term in legal and business contexts and is more precise than the general term 'lawsuit' because it specifies the structural nature of the case.

Common phrases

file a class action
bring a class action
class action lawsuit
class action suit
settle a class action
class action settlement

Synonyms

class lawsuit · collective action · group action · representative suit

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'class action' as a verb (e.g., 'to class action someone') when it functions only as a noun; the correct verb form is 'to file' or 'to bring' a class action.

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