Complain vs. Complaint
Main DifferenceThe main difference between complain and complaint is that the word complain is a verb whereas the word complaint is a noun.

Difference Between Complain and Complaint
Complain vs. Complaint
The meaning of complain is to express the feelings of agony, pain, dissatisfaction, resentment, etc. whereas the meaning or synonyms of the complaint is grief, problem, difficulty, concern, the act of complaining, etc.
Complain vs. Complaint
In the parts of speech, complain falls into the category of a verb on the flip side complaint falls into the category of a noun.
Complain vs. Complaint
The noun complain contains eight alphabets contrarily the noun complain nine alphabets are having an additional ‘t’ in the end.
Complain vs. Complaint
Complain is an action. It is associated with a person who is committing this act of complaining; on the other hand, a complaint can be a written statement.
Complain vs. Complaint
The sound pattern of the word complain is /kəmˈpleɪn/ inversely the sound pattern of the word complaint is /kəmˈpleɪnt/.
Complain vs. Complaint
Complain is the expression of offense or dissatisfaction towards someone or something on the contrary complaint is a statement containing complain about that specific person, action, or thing.
Complain vs. Complaint
The prepositions by which complain is followed are like to, about, conversely, the prepositions by which complaint is followed are against and above.
Complainverb
(intransitive) To express feelings of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment.
Joe was always complaining about the noise made by his neighbours.Complaintnoun
A grievance, problem, difficulty, or concern; the act of complaining.
I have no complaints about the quality of his work, but I don't enjoy his company.Complainverb
(intransitive) To make a formal accusation or bring a formal charge.
They've complained about me to the police again.Complaintnoun
(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.
Complainverb
To creak or squeak, as a timber or wheel.
the complaining bed-springsComplaintnoun
(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.
Complainverb
express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness;
My mother complains all dayShe has a lot to kick aboutComplaintnoun
A consumer complaint.
Complainverb
make a formal accusation; bring a formal charge;
The plaintiff's lawyer complained that he defendant had physically abused his clientComplaintnoun
A bodily disorder or disease; the symptom of such a disorder.
Don't come too close; I've got this nasty complaint.Complaintnoun
an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining
Complaintnoun
(formerly) a loud cry (or repeated cries) of pain or rage or sorrow
Complaintnoun
an expression of grievance or resentment
Complaintnoun
(civil law) the first pleading of the plaintiff setting out the facts on which the claim for relief is based
Complaintnoun
(criminal law) a pleading describing some wrong or offense;
he was arrested on a charge of larcenyComparison Chart
Complain | Complaint |
To express the feelings of agony, pain, dissatisfaction, resentment, etc | An act of complaining; grief, problem, difficulty, concern, etc |
Pronunciation | |
/kəmˈpleɪn/ | /kəmˈpleɪnt/ |
Number of alphabets | |
Eight | Nine |
Word Nature | |
An action | A statement |
Parts of Speech | |
Verb | Noun |
Prepositions | |
like to, about, of | Against, above |
Complain vs. Complaint
Complain and complaint are two different words. In the parts of speech, complain falls into the category of a verb. A complaint falls into the category of a noun. Complain, and complaint refers to the same thing. They refer to the expressions of dissatisfaction, offense, or annoyance towards any person or thing.
There is a difference in meaning between both these words’ complain and complaint. The meaning of complain is to express the feelings of agony, pain, dissatisfaction, resentment, etc. The meaning or synonyms of the complaint is grief, problem, difficulty, and concern. The complaint is also known as the act of complaining.
The difference between the terms complain and complaint stems from the difference in their grammatical structure. They are different in their parts of speech, nature, meaning, and usage.
When it comes to nature, the words complain, and complaint differs in it. Complain is an action. We always see this word associated with a person who is committing this act of complaining. But a complaint can be a written statement. There can be a written complaint or an oral one.
Complain is the expression of offense or dissatisfaction towards someone or something, whereas a complaint is a statement containing the complaint of that specific person, action, or thing. Complain, and the complaint is followed by different prepositions.
The prepositions by which complain is followed are like too, about, and of. The prepositions by which complaint is followed are against and above. The sound patterns of the word complain are/kəmˈpleɪn/. The sound patterns of the word complaint are/kəmˈpleɪnt/.
The only difference between their pronunciation is the addition of the ‘t’ sound at the end of the complaint which is not the last alphabet of complain. Moreover, there is another obvious difference between complain and complaints. The noun complain contains eight alphabets. The noun complain has nine alphabets having an additional ‘t’ in the end.
What is Complain?
The word complain falls into the category of a verb, which refers to the expressions of dissatisfaction, offense, or annoyance towards any person or thing. The meaning of complain is to express the feelings of agony, pain, dissatisfaction, resentment, etc.
Complain expresses pain, uneasiness, censure, resentment, grief, e.g. Teacher complained to the principal about the children making noise in the class. Complain also tell pains and ailments, e.g. The patient complains doctor of a headache. Moreover, complain can be a formal accusation, e.g. You must complain to the police about the theft in your home.
The verb complain always refers to any action. We always see this word associated with a person who is committing this act of complaining. The sound patterns of the word complain is /kəmˈpleɪn/. The noun complain contains eight alphabets.
The prepositions by which complain is followed are like to, about, and of. A sentence can vary according to this use of prepositions with ‘complain.’ with the preposition of, the word complain directs an illness or pain.
Complain is the expression of offense or dissatisfaction towards someone or something. In case when someone is talking about some mechanism or structure, complain can also describe a groan or creak that is under strain.
Examples
- A person complained about the robbery in his home at the police station.
- The citizens complained about the careless attitude of different organizations to higher authorities.
- The boy complained of severe stomach pains, and so he was rushed to the hospital.
- She was constantly working while the muscles in her arms and neck were complaining about the great strain.
What is a Complaint?
In the parts of speech, complaint falls into the category of a noun. A complaint refers to the expressions or statements of dissatisfaction, offense, or annoyance towards any person or thing. The meaning or synonyms of the complaint is grief, problem, difficulty, and concern.
The complaint is also known as the act of complaining. A complaint can be a written statement. There can be a written complaint or an oral one. A complaint is a statement containing the complaint of that specific person, action, or thing. It can be anything that you are complaining about.
The prepositions by which complaint is followed are against and above. The sound pattern of the word complaint is/kəmˈpleɪnt/. The word complaint is also used figuratively. For example, the phrase “ground for complaint” refers to any reason to complain formally. The noun complain has nine alphabets having an additional ‘t’ in the end.
The complaint noun also refers to an illness, e.g. heart/stomach complaint. Moreover, it is a statement that something is unsatisfactory or not good enough. A complaint is any formal legal document in legal terminology. It establishes the facts and legal reasons against someone.
The complaint is used with various words. These are file/lodge, e.g. A complaint regarding financial corruption lodged with the office of the district attorney’. The complaint is also used with the word receive, e.g. the council received complaints. It is not going to disclose the details. Other phrases with complaints are deal with complaints, handle complaints, a complaint about, the complaint against, etc.
It is in the form of a written document containing the allegations, such as violation of laws, and facts that led to the dispute. The complaint in legal terminology also contains any demands to restore justice. Sometimes, specific types of criminal cases begin with the filing of a complaint. This type of complaint is also called a felony complaint or a criminal complaint.
Examples
- You should make an official complaint to the manager about how the staff in the hotel was not cooperating.
- The principal decided to take action against the student since he has received many complaints about him.
- There are so many complaints from the citizens to the Prime minister’s officers that he needs to answer.
- I am going to file a complaint against you.
ConclusionComplain and complaint are the two different words referring to the same thing. They refer to the expressions of dissatisfaction, offense, or annoyance towards any person or thing. Both words differ in their grammatical structure, speech, nature, meaning, and usage.