complain
verb (used without object)
to express dissatisfaction, pain, uneasiness, censure, resentment, or grief; find fault.
complaining
-
present participleof complain.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The phone call had come from Amacher—the man now complaining the situation has been blown out of proportion—who said he had called the center, pretending to be a member of Talarico’s family.
From Slate ● Oct. 16, 2026
If older people did it at the same age and still do it, the only thing that changed is who is complaining.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026
The protesters are complaining about staff shortages and dilapidated facilities in the country's lycées, schools which are attended by 15-18-year-olds.
From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026
Students have blocked the entrances to hundreds of high schools for 15 to 17-year-olds since late September, complaining of missing teachers, overloaded timetables, dilapidated classrooms and buildings that cannot cope with rising temperatures.
From Barron's ● Oct. 6, 2026
He did not do so, instead complaining to a friend about Maggie’s “Devil of a sister.”
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
