1. Expressing pain or dissatisfaction or resentment
   "a complaining boss";
   - complaintive

1. Express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness
   "My mother complains all day";
   - kick [informal], plain [archaic], sound off, kvetch [N. Amer, informal], moan
    
2. Make a formal accusation; bring a formal charge
   "The plaintiff's lawyer complained that he defendant had physically abused his client"

See also: fretful, protestant, querulous, whiney [rare], whiny

Type of: charge, express, give tongue to, utter, verbalise [Brit], verbalize

Antonym: cheer, uncomplaining

Encyclopedia: Complaining