Complain vs. Complaint: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Complain is verb, expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance. Complaint is a noun, a statement of dissatisfaction.
Key Differences
Complain, a verb, is the action of expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance about something. Complaint, on the other hand, is a noun, referring to the actual statement or expression of dissatisfaction. Both involve the expression of unhappiness, but their grammatical roles differ.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
When someone chooses to complain, they are engaging in the act of voicing their grievances. A complaint, in contrast, is the product of this action, often formalized in writing or speech. Complain implies a process, whereas complaint is the result.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Usage context distinguishes complain from complaint. Complain is used when referring to the act itself, for example, “They complain about the service.” A complaint is the content of the dissatisfaction, as in “They have a complaint about the service.”
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
The verb complain often involves a continuous or repeated action. Complaint, as a noun, signifies a specific instance or expression of dissatisfaction. Complain can suggest an ongoing state, while complaint is a discrete event.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
To summarize, complain and complaint are intertwined yet distinct. Complain refers to the ongoing action of expressing displeasure, while a complaint is the specific instance or articulation of that displeasure.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Describes the action of expressing dismay
Refers to the expression itself
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Dec 02, 2023
Example
"He often complains about traffic."
"She filed a complaint about the noise."
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Dec 02, 2023
Continuity
Can imply a continuous or habitual action
Usually indicates a specific occurrence
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Dec 02, 2023
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Complain and Complaint Definitions
Complain
To express dissatisfaction or annoyance.
She often complains about the weather.
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Dec 02, 2023
Complaint
A formal accusation or charge against someone.
The police filed a complaint against the suspect.
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Dec 02, 2023
Complain
To make a formal accusation or charge.
He complained to the company about the product.
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Dec 02, 2023
Complaint
A report of a deficiency or problem.
The customer's complaint was resolved promptly.
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Dec 02, 2023
Complain
To state that one is suffering from a pain or ailment.
He's been complaining of a headache all day.
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Dec 02, 2023
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Complaint
A statement expressing dissatisfaction.
His complaint about the service led to a refund.
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Dec 02, 2023
Complain
To make known one's displeasure or negative feelings.
She complains every time we change the schedule.
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Dec 02, 2023
Complain
To protest or grumble about something.
They complain about the long working hours.
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Dec 02, 2023
Complaint
A cause or reason for complaining; a grievance
What is your complaint?.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complain
To make a formal accusation or bring a formal charge; file a complaint.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complaint
The symptom or distress about which a patient seeks medical assistance.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complain
(intransitive) To express feelings of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment.
Joe was always complaining about the noise made by his neighbours.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complaint
A formal statement initiating a lawsuit by specifying the facts and legal grounds for the relief sought.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complain
(intransitive) To make a formal accusation or bring a formal charge.
They've complained about me to the police again.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complaint
A formal charge, made under oath, of the commission of a crime or other such offense.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complain
To creak or squeak, as a timber or wheel.
The complaining bed-springs
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Oct 19, 2023
Complain
To give utterance to expression of grief, pain, censure, regret. etc.; to lament; to murmur; to find fault; - commonly used with of. Also, to creak or squeak, as a timber or wheel.
O loss of sight, of thee I most complain!
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Oct 19, 2023
Complaint
A grievance, problem, difficulty, or concern.
I have no complaints about the quality of his work, but I don't enjoy his company.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complain
To make a formal accusation; to make a charge.
Now, Master Shallow, you'll complain of me to the king?
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Oct 19, 2023
Complaint
(legal) In a civil action, the first pleading of the plaintiff setting out the facts on which the claim is based;
The purpose is to give notice to the adversary of the nature and basis of the claim asserted.
The purpose is to give notice to the adversary of the nature and basis of the claim asserted.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complain
To lament; to bewail.
They might the grievance inwardly complain.
By chaste Lucrece's soul that late complain'dHer wrongs to us.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complaint
(legal) In criminal law, the preliminary charge or accusation made by one person against another to the appropriate court or officer, usually a magistrate.
However, court proceedings, such as a trial, cannot be instituted until an indictment or information has been handed down against the defendant.
However, court proceedings, such as a trial, cannot be instituted until an indictment or information has been handed down against the defendant.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complain
Express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness;
My mother complains all day
She has a lot to kick about
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Oct 19, 2023
Complaint
A bodily disorder or disease; the symptom of such a disorder.
Don't come too close; I've got this nasty complaint.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complain
Make a formal accusation; bring a formal charge;
The plaintiff's lawyer complained that he defendant had physically abused his client
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Oct 19, 2023
Complaint
Expression of grief, regret, pain, censure, or resentment; lamentation; murmuring; accusation; fault-finding.
I poured out my complaint before him.
Grievous complaints of you.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complaint
Cause or subject of complaint or murmuring.
The poverty of the clergy in England hath been the complaint of all who wish well to the church.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complaint
An ailment or disease of the body.
One in a complaint of his bowels.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complaint
A formal allegation or charge against a party made or presented to the appropriate court or officer, as for a wrong done or a crime committed (in the latter case, generally under oath); an information; accusation; the initial bill in proceedings in equity.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complaint
An often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining
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Oct 19, 2023
Complaint
(formerly) a loud cry (or repeated cries) of pain or rage or sorrow
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Oct 19, 2023
Complaint
(civil law) the first pleading of the plaintiff setting out the facts on which the claim for relief is based
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Oct 19, 2023
Complaint
(criminal law) a pleading describing some wrong or offense;
He was arrested on a charge of larceny
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Complaint
A reason for dissatisfaction.
Noise was a common complaint among residents.
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Dec 02, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is complain always negative?
Generally, yes, as it conveys dissatisfaction.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Can 'complain' and 'complaint' be used interchangeably?
No, they are different parts of speech.
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Dec 02, 2023
Can complain be a formal process?
Yes, especially when it leads to a formal complaint.
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Dec 02, 2023
What types of complaints are there?
Personal, professional, medical, consumer, etc.
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Dec 02, 2023
Can a complaint be positive?
Rarely, it's typically negative or a report of a problem.
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Dec 02, 2023
How do you use complain in a sentence?
"She often complains about the traffic."
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Dec 02, 2023
Can complaining be constructive?
Yes, if it leads to positive change or solutions.
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Dec 02, 2023
How is a complaint formulated?
As a statement or formal report of displeasure.
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Dec 02, 2023
What is the purpose of complaining?
To express displeasure and potentially seek resolution.
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Dec 02, 2023
Is there a limit to complaining?
Socially, excessive complaining can be frowned upon.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Are complaints always voiced?
No, they can also be written or formally filed.
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Dec 02, 2023
What is an example of a complaint?
"He filed a noise complaint with the landlord."
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Dec 02, 2023
Can anyone file a complaint?
Generally, yes, if they have grounds for dissatisfaction.
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Dec 02, 2023
How are complaints resolved?
Through addressing the underlying issue or through mediation.
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Dec 02, 2023
Is it common to complain?
Yes, it's a common human expression of dissatisfaction.
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Dec 02, 2023
Is complain a transitive or intransitive verb?
It's usually intransitive, as in "She complains a lot."
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Dec 02, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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