complain

verb

com·​plain kəm-ˈplān How to pronounce complain (audio)
complained; complaining; complains
Synonyms of complain

intransitive verb

1
: to express grief, pain, or discontent
complaining about the weather
2
: to make a formal accusation or charge
He threatened to complain of him to the captain.
complainer noun
complainingly
kəm-ˈplā-niŋ-lē How to pronounce complain (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of complain

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Examples of complain in a Sentence

He works hard but he never complains. If you're unhappy with the service, you should complain to the manager. The students complained that the test was too hard. “These shoes are too tight,” he complained.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Our Good Question email inbox is filled right now with several people complaining about hearing swear words in political ads. — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026 After the guest complained, Marshall says she was called on the carpet. — Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Residents of Studio City have been complaining about screams echoing down the Cahuenga Pass during this soft opening period. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026 In this situation, the United States has no moral or legal standing to complain about the Strait of Hormuz not being open. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complain

Word History

Etymology

Middle English compleynen, from Anglo-French compleindre, from Vulgar Latin *complangere, from Latin com- + plangere to lament — more at plaint

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of complain was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing complain

Rhymes for complain

See All Rhymes for complain

Browse Nearby Words

complacently
complain
complainant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Complain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complain. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

complain

verb
com·​plain kəm-ˈplān How to pronounce complain (audio)
1
: to express grief, pain, or discontent : find fault
complaining about the weather
2
: to accuse someone of wrongdoing
complainer noun
complainingly
-ˈplā-niŋ-lē How to pronounce complain (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

complain

intransitive verb
com·​plain kəm-ˈplān How to pronounce complain (audio)
: to speak of one's illness or symptoms
the patient visited the office complaining of weight loss

Legal Definition

complain

intransitive verb
com·​plain
: to make a complaint

More from Merriam-Webster on complain

Nglish: Translation of complain for Spanish Speakers

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