Words / B1

k-uh-m-PLAYN/kəmˈpleɪn/

Complain means say you are unhappy about something. Complain about the noise; complain to the manager. Moan is informal and negative. A complaint is the noun: make a complaint. Do not write “complain for” — use about. Complain that + clause is also common.

Meaning

To say you are not happy about something.

Examples

• “Customers complained about the delay.”
• “She complained that the room was cold.”
• “If the order is wrong, complain to customer service.”

Good to know

complain about + noun. complain to + person. Noun: complaint.

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