complain
verb (used without object)
to express dissatisfaction, pain, uneasiness, censure, resentment, or grief; find fault.
complained
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past participleof complain.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof complain.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
complainverb (used without object)to express dissatisfaction, pain, uneasiness, censure, resentment, or grief; find fault.
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.
In her comments Thursday, Machado said the U.S.’s three-phase recovery plan for Venezuela was progressing, but complained that Rodríguez had yet to fully dismantle a repressive state apparatus.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2026
Belgium's interior minister has complained about what he calls the "TikTokisation" of protests.
From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2026
Presidents have complained about the press, the courts and Congress.
From Salon ● Oct. 28, 2026
McDonald’s franchisees have complained about “tough meat” and other issues with new hand-breaded chicken, an analyst said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2026
Julio complained when the boy returned to the kitchen.
From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman
