verb
complain
kuhm-PLAYN
verb
1
To express dissatisfaction, annoyance, or pain about something.
"Guests complained about the slow service at the restaurant."
"He never complains, even when things go wrong."
2
To make a formal report or accusation, especially to an authority.
"She complained to the police about the noisy neighbors."
How to Use Complain
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo voice unhappiness about something, or to formally report a problem.
Common pairings
complain about
complain to management
constantly complain
Word Forms
complained past tense, complains singular
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Guests _____ about the slow service at the restaurant.
Etymology
From Old French complaindre, from Latin plangere, "to beat the breast in grief" — the same root as "plaintive" and "plaint."