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

Some parents and businesses told the BBC that the former Reading FC captain warned them she would take action against them if they complained on social media.

From BBC

A nomination is almost assured, but there’s already a backlash brewing against the film, with critics complaining that it’s a “regressive picture masquerading as progressive” and a “wild ride to nowhere.”

From Los Angeles Times

We called him out and began complaining to Paul’s assistant, asking whether the real Logan Paul would be coming.

From BBC

One person after another after another came up to me to complain about what appeared to be a glossy commercial filled with beautiful people, a beautiful mountain lion, beautiful houses, beautiful nature.

From Los Angeles Times

In a town hall last year sponsored by News Nation, Kennedy complained that “experts” often end up on opposite sides of a debate, which he took as an indication that they shouldn’t be believed.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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