26984 words

complain

5 definitions • 9 examples
1
to say that something is wrong or not satisfactory:

Examples:

complain about Lots of people have complained about the noise.
You're always complaining!
[ + that ] He complained that his boss was useless and he had too much work.
2
to tell someone formally that something is wrong:

Examples:

complain to If the service was so bad, why didn't you complain to the manager?
3
to say that something is wrong or not good enough:

Examples:

Bill and Nancy are always complaining about their neighbor, whose dog frightens their kids.
[ + that clause ] She complained that she had too much work to do.
4
If you complain of a physical condition, you describe something that hurts or makes you feel ill:

Examples:

She complained of aching knees from her arthritis.
5
to tell someone that something is wrong or not satisfactory, and that you are annoyed about it:

Examples:

complain about sth Workers complain about the conditions in which they are forced to work.
complain that The chief executive complained that there were no systems of accountability, financial control, or planning.

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