complain

present (v1)

complain

past (v2)

complained

past participle (v3)

complained

present participle

complaining

3rd person singular

complains

1. 1.To express feelings of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment.

   • Joe was always complaining about the noise made by his neighbours.

2. 2.To state the presence of something negative; to indicate that one is suffering from something; to report (e.g.) a symptom.

   • The patient complained of headache, nausea, and joint pain.

3. 3.To make a formal accusation or bring a formal charge.

   • They've complained about me to the police again.
   • Now, Master Shallow, you'll complain of me to the king?
   • If you get cheated by the Better Business Bureau, who do you complain to?

4. 4.To creak or squeak, as a timber or wheel.

Overall

Common· #1993

By learning goal

Everyday conversation

Uncommon

General reading & writing

Common

Academic

Rare

Literature

Rare

Synonyms

• kick