complain

[ kuhm-pleyn ]

verb (used without object)

1. to express dissatisfaction, pain, uneasiness, censure, resentment, or grief; find fault:

   He complained constantly about the noise in the corridor.

   Antonyms: rejoice

2. to tell of one's pains, ailments, etc.:

   to complain of a backache.

3. to make a formal accusation:

   If you think you've been swindled, complain to the police.

complain

/ kəmˈpleɪn /

verb

1. to express resentment, displeasure, etc, esp habitually; grumble
2. foll by of to state the presence of pain, illness, etc, esp in the hope of sympathy

   she complained of a headache

Derived Forms

• comˈplainingly, adverb
• comˈplainer, noun

Other Words From

• com·plaina·ble adjective
• com·plainer noun
• com·plaining·ly adverb
• uncom·plained adjective
• uncom·plaining adjective
• uncom·plaining·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of complain¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English compleinen, from Anglo-French compleign-, stem of compleindre, Old French complaindre, from Vulgar Latin complangere (unrecorded), from Latin com- com- + plangere “to beat, lament, strike”; plaint

Word History and Origins

Origin of complain¹

C14: from Old French complaindre, from Vulgar Latin complangere (unattested), from Latin com- (intensive) + plangere to bewail

Idioms and Phrases

see can't complain .

Synonym Study

Complain, grumble, growl, whine are terms for expressing dissatisfaction or discomfort. To complain is to protest against or lament a wrong: to complain about high prices. To grumble is to utter ill-natured complaints half to oneself: to grumble about the service. Growl may express more anger than grumble : to growl in reply to a question. To whine is to complain in a meanspirited way, using a nasal tone: to whine like a coward, like a spoiled child.

Example Sentences

To hear soldiers complain - about their commanding officers, orders and lack of equipment - is hardly unusual.

From BBC

She also charged that the U.S. was funding dangerous biological laboratories in Ukraine — “parroting fake Russian propaganda,” Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah complained.

From Los Angeles Times

"The last 35 years of my life we all always complain about the stewards or race director," he said.

From BBC

At this point there may be scarce grounds for anyone to complain, no matter on which side of the political aisle they stand.

From BBC

Pamela said the family are continuing to receive daily updates from the Foreign Office but complains there is "still no news".

From BBC

Related Words

• accuse
• criticize
• denounce
• disagree
• fret
• gripe
• grumble
• lament
• moan
• object
• oppose
• protest