Whinge: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used in British English to describe someone complaining in a persistent, annoying manner.

• She tends to whinge about her job every single day.
• Stop whinging and just get on with it.

Most general term for expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.

• He is always complaining about the weather.
• If the food is cold, you should complain to the manager.

Usually connotes a high-pitched, annoying cry, often from a child or someone acting childishly. Often considered as having a negative connotation.

• The child began to whine when he didn’t get his way.
• Stop whining, it’s not that big of a deal.

Indicates low-level, often quiet, discontent or dissatisfaction, usually ongoing.

• The employees grumble about the long hours.
• She grumbled under her breath about the delay.

Typically used to describe a prolonged, low, often irritated or sorrowful sound or expression of discontent.

• He likes to moan about how hard his life is.
• All she did was moan and groan about her problems.

Used mainly in British English and implies complaining in a way that is annoying to others, often about small or trivial matters.

• He's always whinging about the weather.
• She tends to whinge whenever she's given extra work.

A neutral term for expressing dissatisfaction about something. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

• I submitted a complaint about the poor service at the restaurant.
• Her main complaint is that the shoes are uncomfortable.

Informal and somewhat negative, used when someone consistently complains, usually about the same issue repeatedly.

• His main gripe is the lack of parking spaces.
• People often gripe about the high cost of living in the city.

Informal and often carries a negative connotation, implying that someone is complaining in a way that others find irritating.

• She’s always moaning about how tired she is.
• He moaned about the bad weather all weekend.

Informal, usually negative, and suggests a high-pitched, annoying manner of complaining, often about something insignificant.

• The children started to whine when they didn't get what they wanted.
• Stop whining about the homework and just do it.