Ombudsman

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɒmbÉ™dzmÉ™n/

Origin

From Swedish ombudsman, from Old Norse umboðsmaðr.

Full definition of ombudsman

Noun

1. An appointed official whose duty is to investigate complaints, generally on behalf of individuals such as consumers or taxpayers, against institutions such as companies and government departments.
2. A designated internal mediator in an organization whose duty is to assist members with conflict resolution and other problems and to serve as independent consultant to recommend changes to policies or procedures to improve organization effectiveness, efficiency, and humaneness.

Usage notes

This term is derived from Swedish, in which language the suffix -man is not gender-specific, thus, it can be used in reference to a woman or to a man.

Derived terms

• ombud