adj
Common
complaining
kuhm-PLAYN-ihng
Complaining (adj) means Frequently expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance. Example: “A complaining child in the back seat made the journey tiring.”
adj
1
Frequently expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance.
"A complaining child in the back seat made the journey tiring."
"Nobody enjoys sitting next to a complaining passenger on a long flight."
"His constant complaining started to wear on his coworkers."
How to use complaining
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes someone who keeps voicing dissatisfaction, often in an irritating way.
Common pairings
constant complaining
stop complaining
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Word forms
- Plural
- complainings
- Comparative
- more complaining
- Superlative
- most complaining
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ child in the back seat made the journey tiring.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
uncomplaining
Related words
Rhymes for complaining
See all rhymes for complaining →Frequently asked questions
What does “complaining” mean?
The word “complaining” means frequently expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance. In plain terms, describes someone who keeps voicing dissatisfaction, often in an irritating way.
How do you pronounce “complaining”?
“Complaining” is pronounced kuhm-PLAYN-ihng (/kəmˈpleɪn.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “complaining” in a sentence?
Here is “complaining” used in a sentence: “His constant complaining started to wear on his coworkers.”
What part of speech is “complaining”?
“Complaining” is an adjective.
Is “complaining” a common word?
“Complaining” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between complaining and criticizing?
Complaining means frequently expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance, and it often focuses on venting personal displeasure. Criticizing points out faults or judges the quality of something, and it can be constructive, whereas complaining usually emphasizes grievance without offering a solution.
Is complaining formal or informal?
Complaining is neutral and works in both formal and informal settings. In everyday speech it often carries a slightly negative tone, suggesting someone grumbles habitually, while in formal contexts it can simply describe the act of raising a concern.
What is the difference between complaining and whining?
Both involve expressing dissatisfaction, but whining suggests a petty, high-pitched, or childish tone that others find irritating. Complaining is a broader, more neutral term for frequently voicing annoyance, and it can be justified rather than trivial.
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