See Also: complain(dictionary)
complain(dictionary)

complain (oh)



[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: complaindre, from Vulgar Latin complangere, from Latin com- ( COM-) + plangere ( PLAINT)]
[I,T not in passive] to say that you are annoyed, not satisfied, or unhappy about something or someone
-see also complaint complaint
::Residents are complaining because traffic in the area has increased.
::'You never ask my opinion about anything,' Rod complained.
complain (that)
::She complained that no one had been at the airport to meet her.
complain about
::She often complains about not feeling appreciated at work.
complain of
::Several women have complained of sexual harassment.
complain to
::Neighbours complained to the police about the dogs barking.
::Employees complained bitterly about working conditions.
(I/you/he etc) can't complain
spoken used to say that a situation is satisfactory, even though there may be a few problems
::I make a good living. I can't complain.
complain of [complain of sth] phr v
to say that you feel ill or have a pain in a part of your body
::Dan's been complaining of severe headaches.