complain
verb (used without object)
to express dissatisfaction, pain, uneasiness, censure, resentment, or grief; find fault.
complains
-
present tense formof complain (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
She is in her late 70s and complains of nagging aches and pains, neuropathy, fatigue, anxiety, and occasional changes in her weight.
From Slate ● Sep. 9, 2026
The agreement comes as Panama complains its boats are suffering tighter controls in China, following the cancellation of a Hong Kong company's concession to operate two ports in the Panama Canal.
From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026
Someone complains about the line, the weather, our politics or the UPS driver who goes to the front of the queue.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026
When Joe complains and threatens to bring up the noise, Angela all but begs him to put on a smile and let it go, just for this one night.
From Salon ● Jul. 5, 2026
He doesn't know how to say no, my grandmother complains.
From "Brown Girl Dreaming" by Jacqueline Woodson
