counterclaim: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Legal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “counterclaim” mean?
A claim made to rebut a previous claim.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A claim made to rebut a previous claim.
A legal, formal, or argumentative demand for redress or assertion of a right made in opposition to another's claim, especially in civil litigation where a defendant sues the plaintiff. Figuratively, a competing assertion in any dispute.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in legal and formal contexts. In everyday use, 'counter-argument' or 'rebuttal' are more common than 'counterclaim' in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly associated with legal procedure and formal debate. Neutral-to-negative, as it presupposes a conflict.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language, but standard and common within legal, academic (philosophy, rhetoric), and business dispute contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “counterclaim” in a Sentence
to counterclaim [that] + clauseto counterclaim for [damages/relief]to counterclaim against [sb]counterclaim + noun (e.g., counterclaim petition)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “counterclaim” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The defendant's counterclaim for libel added considerable complexity to the proceedings.
- Her solicitor advised including a counterclaim for damages.
American English
- The contractor filed a counterclaim alleging breach of contract by the homeowner.
- The judge considered the counterclaim separately but concurrently.
verb
British English
- The tenant counterclaimed for the cost of repairs the landlord had failed to undertake.
- They are expected to counterclaim, alleging contributory negligence.
American English
- The company counterclaimed, seeking payment for additional services rendered.
- If sued, he will likely counterclaim for defamation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In contract disputes, a supplier might file a counterclaim for unpaid invoices when sued for breach of contract.
Academic
The philosopher's thesis was strengthened by her effective anticipation and refutation of potential counterclaims.
Everyday
Rare in casual speech. Might be used in structured debates: 'His main counterclaim was that the data was flawed.'
Technical
In civil procedure, a compulsory counterclaim arises from the same transaction or occurrence as the plaintiff's claim and must be pleaded or is forfeited.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “counterclaim”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “counterclaim”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “counterclaim”
- Using 'counterclaim' as a synonym for any objection (too broad).
- Misspelling as 'counter claim' (should be solid or hyphenated: counterclaim/counter-claim).
- Confusing with 'counterargument' (which is about ideas, not formal demands).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A defence argues why the plaintiff's claim is wrong or invalid. A counterclaim is an independent, offensive claim *by* the defendant *against* the plaintiff, often seeking its own damages or relief.
No. By definition, a counterclaim is reactive. It exists in response to and within the same proceedings as an initial claim or complaint.
A 'counterclaim' is a formal demand (often legal) asserting a right or seeking compensation. A 'counterargument' is a reason or set of ideas put forward to oppose an argument in a debate or discussion. The former seeks action/redress; the latter seeks to persuade.
Both accept the solid 'counterclaim'. The hyphenated form 'counter-claim' is older but still seen, particularly in UK English. The solid form is now more common in legal and general use in both regions.
A claim made to rebut a previous claim.
Counterclaim is usually formal, legal, academic in register.
Counterclaim: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkaʊntəkleɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkaʊn.t̬ɚ.kleɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[It's] a case of claim and counterclaim.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
COUNTER (against) + CLAIM (a demand). It's the claim you make to counter the other person's claim.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR (launching a counterattack), LEGAL DISPUTE IS A GAME OF CHESS (making a counter-move).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'counterclaim' most precisely used?