complain

[US]/kəmˈpleɪn/
[UK]/kəmˈpleɪn/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

vi. express dissatisfaction or annoyance; make a formal complaint; speak out
vt. express dissatisfaction; accuse or charge

Phrases & Collocations

file a complaint

lodge a complaint

complain about

complain of

Example Sentences

a complaining tone of voice

was forever complaining about the job.

her husband began to complain of headaches.

She went and complained to Personnel.

a patient complaining of lassitude and inability to concentrate.

they complained of poor bar service.

The patient complained of inappetence and nausea.

They complained about the food.

She often complains that he is dishonest.

He complained about the food.

Complain to the boy's mother, not to me.

He didn't half complain!

They sent a deputation to the ministry to complain.

complained about their miserable destiny;

The entire floor complained about the noise.

shift workers commonly complain of not getting enough sleep.

the patient complained of discomfort in the left calf.

Real-world Examples

Grouchy people are always complaining for no reason.

Source: Intermediate American English by Lai Shih-Hsiung (Volume 2)

Mr. and Mrs. Zuckerman were always complaining about them, and putting up screens.

Source: Charlotte's Web

But I'm not, I'm not complaining.

Source: 2018 Best Hits Compilation

Nobody mentioned it to me, nobody complained.

Source: TEDx

I have lost all through you, but I have not complained.

Source: Returning Home

So, yeah, it's not just you complaining.

Source: Vox opinion

Sue is never satisfied, she is always complaining.

Source: English multiple choice exercise.

There was nothing for me to complain about.

Source: Flowers for Algernon

Some were threatened with dishonorable discharge when they complained.

Source: BBC Listening Compilation June 2016

It's not just these symptoms. It's not just complaining.

Source: CNN 10 Student English October 2018 Collection

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