complain
/kəmˈpleɪn/ verb A2- To express feelings of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment. · Joe was always complaining about the noise made by his neighbours.
- 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.
- To make a formal accusation or bring a formal charge. · They've complained about me to the police again.
- To creak or squeak, as a timber or wheel. · the complaining bed-springs
He/she/it complains · Past complained · Past participle complained · -ing form complaining
Verb forms
- Base form
- complain
- He/she/it
- complains
- Past
- complained
- Past participle
- complained
- -ing form
- complaining
From the library
“Nothing to complain of, sir.
The Sheep and the Goat complained of his distressing cries, and said, “He often handles us, and we do not cry out.” To this he replied, “Your handling and mine are very different things.
“Very possibly; only I am not come to discuss politics, but to inquire if you have anything to ask or to complain of.”
“Shall I complain of him?” demanded the inspector.
Learn complain in real texts
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