complain

complain — verb

1. to let others know that you are unhappy or annoyed about something, often by say

1.verbintransitiveB1
Definition

to let others know that you are unhappy or annoyed about something, often by saying what you think is wrong with it

Example

Several passengers complained to the driver about the delayed train.

complain + to [person] + about [thing]

Yara complained that her new laptop kept freezing during online classes.

complain + that-clause

Common collocations
  • complain bitterly
  • constantly complain
  • complain loudly
  • complain bitterly about
  • have cause to complain
  • no reason to complain
Synonyms
  • grumble

    less formal; suggests expressing annoyance in a low, often repeated way, especially about small things

  • whine

    more negative; suggests an annoying, childish tone of complaint

  • object

    more formal; means to express disagreement or opposition to something specific

Antonyms
  • praise

    expressing approval instead of criticism

  • accept

    to be satisfied with a situation rather than objecting to it

Grammar Patterns

complain + about + noun/gerund

complain + that-clause

complain + to + person + about + noun/gerund

Usage Note

In this sense, complain does not take a direct object. You complain to someone (the person you tell) and about something (the reason). A that-clause can replace about + noun: 'He complained that the soup was cold' means the same as 'He complained about the cold soup.'

Common Mistakes

She complained me that the food was cold.
She complained to me that the food was cold.
The preposition 'to' is needed before the person you are telling.
He complained for the poor service.
He complained about the poor service.
Use 'about' not 'for' when stating the reason for the complaint.
I complained him to the manager.
I complained to the manager about him.
Cannot use a direct object; restructure with 'to' and 'about'.

2. to officially report a problem or unacceptable situation to an organization or p

2.verbintransitiveB1
Definition

to officially report a problem or unacceptable situation to an organization or person in authority, expecting them to take action

Example

Diego complained to the police after someone stole his bicycle from the garage.

complain + to [authority] — formal context

Hana complained to the health department about the restaurant's dirty kitchen.

Common collocations
  • complain formally
  • complain officially
  • complain to the authorities
  • complain against
  • complain in writing
Synonyms
  • protest

    stronger; suggests public or organized opposition, not just reporting

  • report

    more neutral; can be used for any notification to an authority, not just about problems

Antonyms
  • commend

    to officially praise someone or something

  • applaud

    to express strong approval publicly

Grammar Patterns

complain + to + organization/authority + about + noun

complain + against + person/organization

complain + that-clause (formal)

Usage Note

Distinguish from sense 1: this sense implies a formal process — you expect an authority to investigate or resolve the problem. Unlike sense 1, it can be used with against ('complain against the manufacturer'). In written official contexts, lodge a complaint or file a complaint are more common alternatives.

Common Mistakes

I complained the company for bad service.
I lodged a complaint against the company for poor service.
The formal sense still cannot take a direct object; 'lodge/file a complaint against' is the standard pattern.
He complained to the committee with corruption.
He complained to the committee about corruption.
Use 'about' (not 'with') for the issue being reported.
Phrasal verbs

complain of

phrasal verb

To say that you feel pain or have a medical problem.

The patient complained of a sharp pain in his chest.

Have you complained of any headaches or dizziness recently?

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four words involve expressing unhappiness, but they differ in tone and context. Grumble suggests low-level, repeated annoyance — you grumble about the weather or a long queue, but usually without expecting change. Whine is more negative and childish in tone; it implies a high-pitched, drawn-out voice that annoys listeners. Object is more measured and reasoned — you object to a specific proposal or rule, often in a meeting or formal discussion. Protest is the strongest and most public; it can involve organized actions like marches or petitions. For everyday situations, complain is the most neutral and widely used. Example: 'The passengers grumbled about the delay but did not complain to the staff.' / 'The students objected to the new dress code and protested outside the principal's office.'

grumble ↗whineobject ↗protest ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • have no reason to complain
  • no cause for complaint
  • file a complaint
  • lodge a complaint
  • make a complaint
  • letter of complaint
  • complaint department

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

Complain comes from the Latin verb complangere, which meant 'to beat one's breast' as a sign of grief: com- (together) + plangere (to beat, to lament). The word passed through Old French as complaindre and entered Middle English with the sense of 'to express sorrow or regret.' Over time, the meaning shifted from expressing grief to expressing dissatisfaction — the physical gesture of grief was replaced by verbal expression of discontent.