complain Hear it!

complain Definition

com·plain (kəm plān′)

intransitive verb

  1. to claim or express pain, displeasure, etc.
  2. to find fault; declare annoyance
  3. to make an accusation; bring a formal charge

Etymology: ME compleinen < OFr complaindre < VL *complangere, orig., to beat the breast < L com-, intens. + plangere, to strike: see plaint

complain Related Forms
com·plain′er noun
complain Synonyms

complain

v.

  1. To express an objection

    remonstrate, grumble, whine, find fault, disapprove, accuse, deplore, criticize, denounce, dissent, cavil, charge, bring charges, report adversely on, reproach, oppose, contravene, whimper, nag, fret, repine, protest, fuss, moan, growl, grump, murmur, mutter, make a fuss about, take exception to, object to, deprecate, enter a demurrer, demur, expostulate, carp, attack, refute, countercharge, air a grievance, lodge a complaint, howl, grouse*, kick*, bitch*, grouch*, gripe*, grunt*, beef*, bellyache*, crab*, squawk*, tattle*, kick up a fuss*, make noises about*, raise a howl*, raise a fuss*, make a stink*, moan and groan*, kvetch*; see also accuse, censure, oppose 1.

    Antonyms sanction, approve*, countenance. *

  2. To express grief

    grieve, lament, bemoan, bewail; see cry 1, mourn 1.

complain Usage Examples

Preposition: about

  • lack: There was the seemingly constant complaining about the lack of water.
  • noise: Apparently a nearby resident complained about the potential noise that might be a result of the festival.
  • fault: Customers cannot complain about faults that were pointed out to them or that they would have seen before they purchased the item.
  • delay: In November 2001, D complained about the diagnostic delays.
  • corruption: Fifthly, the rest of us have no right to complain about corruption in Africa if we actively abet it.
  • weather: I tell you what tho, I couldn't complain about the weather.

Preposition: that

  • GP: Mrs X complained that the third GP had not obtained the result of the routine INR test.

Preposition: on

  • behalf: You can also complain on behalf or someone else if you have their permission in writing.

Modifying Another Word

  • bitterly: They will complain bitterly about replacing Whitehall Knows Best with Parents Know Best.
  • loudly: She complained loudly to me that it was time for her to change her card.
  • about: Back to the top 1. What can I complain about?
  • rightly: Many of you have rightly complained about complexities, delays and anomalies in our physical planning system.

Used with why or when

  • when: He always shouts and complains when he has to have his shoes on.
  • How: How to complain Other ways of complaining How can I help you?

Preposition: of

  • headache: In August 2005 my mom collapsed at home after vomiting severely and complaining of terrible headaches.
  • menorrhagia: Audit Criteria All women complaining of menorrhagia should have a history taken.
  • pain: A person having a heart attack will usually complain of a tight pain in the chest.
  • tiredness: It is possible that the patient will attend complaining simply of unaccustomed tiredness and mild depression.
  • shortness: Affected people, especially smokers, complain of shortness of breath and a cough.
  • dismissal: In these circumstances a woman may complain of unfair dismissal regardless of length of service.
complain Quotes

Weep If you can, Weep, But do not complainö And you must be thankful.

—Hammarskjo«  ld, Dag HjalmarAgne Carl

Our farmers round, well pleased with constant gain, Like other farmers, flourish and complain.

—Crabbe, George

We musn't complaintoomuch of being comediansöit's anhonourableprofession.Ifonly we could be good ones the world might gain at least a sense of style.

—Greene, (Henry) Graham

You will find in politics that you are much exposed to the attribution of false motives. Never complain and never explain.

—Baldwin (of Bewdley), Stanley Baldwin, 1st Earl

The world isdisgracefully managed, onehardly knowsto whom to complain.

—Firbank, (ArthurAnnesley) Ronald