complain
Complain (verb) means to express dissatisfaction, annoyance, or pain about something. Example: “Guests complained about the slow service at the restaurant.”
How to use complain
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo voice unhappiness about something, or to formally report a problem.
Word forms
complained past tense, complains singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for complain
See all rhymes for complain →Frequently asked questions
What does “complain” mean?
The word “complain” means to express dissatisfaction, annoyance, or pain about something. In plain terms, to voice unhappiness about something, or to formally report a problem.
How do you pronounce “complain”?
“Complain” is pronounced kuhm-PLAYN (/kəmˈpleɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “complain” in a sentence?
Here is “complain” used in a sentence: “Guests complained about the slow service at the restaurant.”
What is another word for “complain”?
Words with a similar meaning to “complain” include beef, bellyache, bemoan, bleat, whimper and carp.
What part of speech is “complain”?
“Complain” is a verb.
Where does the word “complain” come from?
The word “complain” comes from Latin. From Old French complaindre, from Latin plangere, "to beat the breast in grief" — the same root as "plaintive" and "plaint.".
Is “complain” a common word?
“Complain” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “complain” have?
“Complain” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to express dissatisfaction, annoyance, or pain about something.
What is the difference between 'complain about' and 'complain of'?
Complain about is the everyday choice for expressing dissatisfaction, as in 'she complained about the noise'. Complain of is more formal and often used for symptoms or ailments, as in 'he complained of chest pains', where it means to report or mention them.
What is the difference between 'complain' and 'complaint'?
Complain is the verb, meaning to express dissatisfaction or make a formal report. Complaint is the noun for what results, so you complain in order to make a complaint.
When should you use 'complain to' rather than 'complain about'?
Use complain to before the person or authority who receives the grievance, and complain about before the thing that is wrong. You might complain to the manager about the service, combining both in one sentence.
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