complained; complaining; complains
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
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
Trump has frequently complained that Obama’s deal included the transport of cash from the US to Iran.
—
Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
Plus, who can complain when the gorgeous Block Island — which, unlike Rhode Island, is actually an island — is described as New England’s Caribbean?
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 June 2026
Today, many residents — who may have previously complained about the smoky air — understand the benefits of fighting wildfires with fire by burning off palmettos, shrubs and other flammable vegetation.
—Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026
On Reddit’s cruise forums earlier this year, travelers complained about extra gratuities.
—Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for complain
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Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
Plus, who can complain when the gorgeous Block Island — which, unlike Rhode Island, is actually an island — is described as New England’s Caribbean?
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 June 2026
Today, many residents — who may have previously complained about the smoky air — understand the benefits of fighting wildfires with fire by burning off palmettos, shrubs and other flammable vegetation.
—Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026
On Reddit’s cruise forums earlier this year, travelers complained about extra gratuities.
—Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for complain
Cite this Entry
“Complain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complain. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
complain
verb
com·plain
kəm-ˈplān 
1
: to express grief, pain, or discontent : find fault
complaining about the weather
2
: to accuse someone of wrongdoing
complainer
noun
Medical Definition
complain
intransitive verb
com·plain
kəm-ˈplān
: to speak of one's illness or symptoms
the patient visited the office complaining of weight loss
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