Complaining: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in both formal and informal situations to describe expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance.

• She's always complaining about the noise in the neighborhood.
• He complained to the manager about the poor service.

Informal and often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a high-pitched, annoying manner of complaining.

• The kids are always whining about bedtime.
• He whined that he didn't get the new toy.

Used in informal settings, often to describe a low, muttered complaint.

• He grumbled about having to get up early.
• She grumbled something under her breath.

Informal and can be used negatively to talk about someone complaining in an annoying way. It also implies a somewhat dramatic expression of discontent.

• She's always moaning about her problems.
• He moaned that he was too tired to go out.

Informal and often used in British English to talk about someone complaining persistently.

• He's always grousing about his workload.
• They were grousing that their favorite show was canceled.

Typically used in a more literary or formal context to express sorrow or disappointment.

• He bemoaned his lost opportunities.
• She bemoaned the fact that she never went to college.

Used when expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance repeatedly.

• She's always complaining about the weather
• He's been complaining all day about his workload

Used when offering a detailed evaluation, often with the intention to highlight faults.

• The movie received a lot of criticism for its weak plot
• Her proposal faced strong criticism from the committee

Used in formal or legal contexts to describe a complaint about unfair treatment.

• The employee filed a grievance against the manager
• They have grievances regarding the lack of health benefits

Used when expressing disagreement or opposition to an idea or proposal.

• She raised an objection to the proposed changes
• There was an objection from the audience

Used when expressing a lack of satisfaction with circumstances or a situation.

• There was widespread discontent among the workers
• The policy change led to public discontent

Used when expressing strong public disapproval or objection, often in a collective and visible manner.

• Thousands marched in protest against the new law
• The protest lasted for several hours