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
Robert Kelker-Kelly, the former daytime drama actor who played Bo Brady on ‘Days Of Our Lives,’ died Saturday after reportedly complaining of chest pain.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026
Since late September, pupils have barred the entrances to their schools, complaining of teacher absences, overloaded timetables, dilapidated classrooms and buildings ill-adapted to rising temperatures, among other grievances.
From Barron's ● Oct. 5, 2026
Many of these led to the counter-intuitive driving about which many of the sport's stars have been complaining all season - and more changes have been added since.
From BBC ● Oct. 4, 2026
Ruth stands by her gate, groaning about her old bones, or else hovers over Gloria as Gloria prunes the garden for her, complaining loudly about everything she’s doing wrong.
From "How to Disappear Completely" by Ali Standish
