complain

[kəmˈpleɪn]

complain Definition

  • 1to express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something
  • 2to state that one is suffering from a particular problem or illness

Using complain: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "complain" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She's always complaining about her job.

  • Example

    I'm not complaining, but I could use some help.

  • Example

    He complained of a headache and fatigue.

  • Example

    The customer complained to the manager about the poor service.

complain Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for complain

Antonyms for complain

Idioms Using complain

  • grin and bear it

    to endure a difficult or unpleasant situation with good humor and patience

    Example

    I know the job is tough, but you just have to grin and bear it.

  • to complain or protest loudly and insistently

    Example

    He made a fuss when he found out his flight was delayed.

  • put up with

    to tolerate or endure something unpleasant or difficult

    Example

    I don't know how she puts up with his constant complaining.

Phrases with complain

  • to say that one is suffering from a particular problem or illness

    Example

    He complained of a sore throat.

  • to express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something

    Example

    She complained about the noise from the construction site.

  • a situation where everything is satisfactory and there is no reason to complain

    Example

    The hotel was great - we had nothing to complain about.

Origins of complain

from Old French 'plaindre', meaning 'to lament'

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Summary: complain in Brief

'Complain' [kəmˈpleɪn] is a verb that expresses dissatisfaction or annoyance about something, as in 'She's always complaining about her job.' It can also mean to state that one is suffering from a particular problem or illness, as in 'He complained of a headache and fatigue.' The phrase 'nothing to complain about' indicates a situation where everything is satisfactory. Idioms like 'grin and bear it' and 'make a fuss' describe ways of dealing with unpleasant situations.

How do native speakers use this expression?