complain
verb (used without object)
to express dissatisfaction, pain, uneasiness, censure, resentment, or grief; find fault.
is complaining
-
present progressiveof complain (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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 saying is used most frequently in basketball when someone is complaining about an officiating call.
From Barron's ● Jun. 18, 2026
“I think, wait a minute—everyone is complaining that teenagers aren’t having babies?”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 6, 2026
Britain's true national sport is complaining about the weather.
From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2025
Schaefer wrote that when he confronted Arthur Siegle with Weinberg’s accusations, he responded, “I have no idea what this guy is complaining about nor do I really care.”
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 28, 2023
Abuela is complaining that there was too much salt in the ropa vieja, that high blood pressure runs in the family, and that Rosario should be careful not to aggravate their condition.
From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García
