Complain Meaning
Complain Definition & Usage
To express dissatisfaction or annoyance about a situation, person, or condition.
Examples
- "She always complains about her job, even though she earns well."
- "The customers complained about the slow service during lunch hours."
- "He complained to the manager when his food arrived cold."
- "They complained about the noise coming from the construction site next door."
- "After the meeting, several employees complained about the new policy."
To make a formal or official expression of dissatisfaction, often to an authority figure or organization.
Examples
- "The workers filed a formal complaint against the company for unsafe working conditions."
- "She complained to the hotel manager about the lack of hot water in her room."
- "After the flight delay, many passengers complained to the airline's customer service."
- "I plan to complain to the school board about the poor quality of the textbooks."
- "He complained to the city council about the lack of public transportation options."
To express discomfort or pain, usually about a physical condition.
Examples
- "He complained of a headache after working for several hours in front of the screen."
- "She complained of back pain after lifting the heavy box."
- "The child complained about feeling sick before the school trip."
- "They complained of sore feet after walking for miles on the hiking trail."
- "He complained of dizziness and asked for a glass of water."
Cultural Context
Complaining is a common social behavior across many cultures, although the way people express dissatisfaction can vary. In some cultures, direct complaints are viewed as rude, while in others, it is a way of seeking improvement or fairness. Complaining can also be used to bond over shared frustrations or to prompt change in a system.
The Long Line
Story
The Long Line
Jenna stood at the counter of the crowded coffee shop, tapping her foot impatiently. The line moved at a snail's pace, and with every passing minute, her irritation grew. It wasn’t that she was in a rush, but she had grown tired of the inefficiency she had experienced here time and time again. As she approached the counter, she couldn’t hold it in any longer. "Excuse me," she said to the barista, her voice tinged with frustration, "Why does it always take so long to get served here?" She wasn’t yelling, but her complaint was clear. The young barista, a college student with a name tag that read 'Tom,' looked apologetically at her. "I'm sorry for the delay. We're short-staffed today," he explained. Jenna let out a deep sigh. "This is the third time this week!" she said, crossing her arms. "I keep complaining, but nothing changes. I think it's time to find a new place for my morning coffee." "I understand," Tom replied, trying to keep his tone calm. "I can bring you a free drink next time to make up for the inconvenience." Jenna paused, then nodded. "Well, at least that's something. But I’m not the only one who complains. Just listen to the guy behind me. He’s been talking about this place ever since we got in line!" The man behind her, with a disgruntled frown, shook his head. "I’ve been coming here for years, and the service has only gotten worse. I swear, it’s like they don’t care about their customers anymore." Jenna couldn’t help but chuckle at his exaggerated tone. "See? It’s not just me," she said to Tom. He smiled sheepishly as he handed her her drink, and she walked away with a mix of amusement and resignation. As she stepped outside, she thought about the multiple times she had complained in the past—whether it was about bad service, a slow process, or just general inconvenience. Yet, in the end, she knew it was unlikely her complaints would ever lead to real change. Still, there was something oddly satisfying about voicing her dissatisfaction. "I’m sure they won’t improve, but it’s worth complaining every now and then," she muttered to herself, sipping the hot coffee and smiling despite her irritation.
Related Words
