Intermediate 📚 Vocabulary · #212 of 1319

complain (v.)

to say you are unhappy about something

Examples

  • They complained about the noise.

Key rules

  • Complain about something to someone
  • Complaint is the noun

Common mistakes

  • They complained of the noise → They complained about the noise

Use cases

  • Customer service
  • Neighbour disputes
  • Reporting problems
💡 Tip: Complain is used for unhappiness; complement is different.
Practise this topic in the appPractise Intermediate quiz
← combine (v.)confident (adj.) →

Related Intermediate topics

See all Intermediate vocabulary lessons →

achieve (v.)

to succeed in reaching a goal

appreciate (v.)

to value or be grateful for

approach (v.)

to come near; to deal with

available (adj.)

able to be used or obtained

avoid (v.)

to stay away from

benefit (n.)

a helpful result