How to Pronounce Complained

To pronounce "complained", say COMPL-ain-ed — 3 syllables, IPA /kəmˈpleɪnd/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

complained

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/kəmˈpleɪnd/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “complained”

"complained" has 3 syllables: compl-ain-ed. It rhymes with restrained and constrained, if that helps it stick.

What does complained mean?

verb

To express feelings of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment.
“Joe was always complaining about the noise made by his neighbours.”
To make a formal accusation or bring a formal charge.
“They've complained about me to the police again.”

Synonyms

beef bitch gripe grouse grumble grump kvetch moan

Hear “complained” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with complained

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

restrained constrained strained ascertained unrestrained ordained explained obtained drained attained unconstrained ingrained

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "complained"?▾

"Complained" has 3 syllables: compl · ain · ed.

What is the IPA transcription of "complained"?▾

The IPA transcription of "complained" is /kəmˈpleɪnd/.

What does "complained" mean?▾

Complained: To express feelings of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment.

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