complaining


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com·plain

 (kəm-plān′)
intr.v. com·plained, com·plain·ing, com·plains
1. To express feelings of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment.
2. To make a formal accusation or bring a formal charge; file a complaint.
[Middle English compleinen, from Old French complaindre, complaign-, from Vulgar Latin *complangere : Latin com-, intensive pref.; see com- + Latin plangere, to lament; see plāk- in Indo-European roots.]
com·plain′er n.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Adj.1.complaining - expressing pain or dissatisfaction of resentment; "a complaining boss"
complaintive
uncomplaining - not complaining; "uncomplaining courage"
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
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References in classic literature ?
There are laws, it is true, against adultery, but they seem to have been only for the meaner people, and the women of quality, especially the ouzoros, or ladies of the blood royal, are so much above them, that their husbands have not even the liberty of complaining; and certainly to support injuries of this kind without complaining requires a degree of patience which few men can boast of.
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"Is not all weeping complaining? And all complaining, accusing?" Thus speakest thou to thyself; and therefore, O my soul, wilt thou rather smile than pour forth thy grief--
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For my part, I confess I must complain however small the ache may be; unless this rule about not complaining extends to the squires of knights-errant also."
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Leonard Upjohn came to him, while he was making himself a cup of tea in the kitchen, and said that Cronshaw was complaining of Philip's insistence that he should have a doctor.
"Upjohn tells me you've been complaining to him because I've urged you to have a doctor," he said.
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"It seems to me that a degree of this criticism stems from a culture which is nowadays too often concerned with complaining ?
How to complain without a moan
Dr Scobie said: "Scots probably don't complain enough because they don't think complaining will get them anywhere.
Suffering in silence
It's not unusual to hear beleaguered business owners complaining about burdensome government regulations.
Red tape headaches
UK workers are costing businesses pounds 8.3billion a year by spending the equivalent of more than 3.25 working days complaining about poor customer service from retailers and financial services firms.
BUSINESS LIFE: Grumbles all take their toll
NICLAS ALEXANDERSSON has needed little excuse to be anonymous for much of his Everton career and he really should not test the patience of Goodison Park's fans - and indeed the groundsman - by complaining about the playing surface.
Pitch jibe bad move by Niclas; PHILIP McNULTY - GIVING IT TO YOU STRAIGHT
They threatened that if he didn't stop complaining the next time he'd have drugs in his car, and they wouldn't be his.
Stopped by police 34 times in 2 years; Black driver sues officers
CUSTOMERS are getting better at complaining, a consumers' champion claims.
Guide agrees it's O.K. to moan

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