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

Other Word Forms

• complainable adjective
• complainer noun
• complainingly adverb
• uncomplained adjective
• uncomplaining adjective
• uncomplainingly 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

He told the BBC it was "a surprise to hear" of the complaint and he would be "looking to take legal action against those complaining".

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A parliamentary colleague complained he was "pushy" on the climate, and his big ambitions as minister were cut short when Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine sent energy prices soaring.

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Fire crews were called to a property in Barking Road on Tuesday after two adults, the infant and a six-year-old attended hospital complaining about a smell of chemicals in a flat in Upton Park, Newham.

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An unhappy and disgruntled employee will be more likely to complain, grumble, debate, gossip and sow discontent among other employees.

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Two adults and two children were taken to hospital after complaining about a smell of chemicals at the property in Barking Road, Upton Park in Newham.

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Related Words

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