Foundation level · Year 4 · free
complain
verb · Say it: kuhm-PLAYN
What it means
Foundationto say that you are unhappy or annoyed about something
My brother always complains when Mum asks him to tidy his bedroom.
Similar and opposite words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- grumble
- moan
- protest
- whinge
Antonyms (opposite meaning)
- praise
More examples
- If your meal is cold, you can politely complain to the waiter.
Where the word comes from
From Old French 'complaindre', meaning to lament.
Try a quick question
One question about “complain”, the way 11+ papers ask it (Foundation level).