Skip to main content
complainingly

complainingly

3.9
In a way that shows you are unhappy or annoyed
  • adverb
  • /kəmˈpleɪnɪŋli/
translation icon : quejosamente
  • She said, complainingly, "I can't believe we have to wait in line again."

Examples

  • She complainingly handed in her assignment, clearly unhappy with the topic.

  • The children walked complainingly to bed, wishing they could stay up later.

  • He answered complainingly when asked to help with the chores.

  • Stop complainingly!

  • She spoke complainingly about the service.

  • He looked at his homework complainingly, wishing he could go play outside instead.

  • The child spoke complainingly, "Why do I have to eat my vegetables?"

Synonyms

irritably
vscomplainingly
8 4.1

In an annoyed or impatient way

is more about expressing ongoing dissatisfaction than momentary annoyance
indignantly
vscomplainingly
7 5.0

In an angry way because something seems unfair

expresses general dissatisfaction rather than focused moral outrage
testily
vscomplainingly
1 7.6

In a short angry way that shows you are annoyed

is less about quick irritation and more about expressing complaints
grumpily
vscomplainingly
1 3.0

In a bad mood and speaking or acting in an unhappy way

is more about voicing unhappiness directly than simply being sullen
querulously
vscomplainingly
1 9.4

In a complaining way that shows annoyance

expresses dissatisfaction directly rather than only showing displeasure
huffily
vscomplainingly
1 7.8

To act in an annoyed or offended way

is more about voicing dissatisfaction than showing offended pride
grumblingly
vscomplainingly
6.3

In a low, complaining way that shows you are unhappy

is more about openly stating dissatisfaction rather than quiet muttering
discontentedly
vscomplainingly
7.4

In a way that shows someone is unhappy or not satisfied

focuses more on stating dissatisfaction actively rather than mood alone
aggrievedly
vscomplainingly
8.2

In a way that shows someone feels wronged or treated unfairly

is broader, signalling general dissatisfaction not only perceived injustice
irritatedly
vscomplainingly
3.9

In an annoyed and impatient way

tends to state dissatisfaction more clearly rather than only annoyance
poutingly
vscomplainingly
8.9

In a way that shows someone is upset by pushing the lips forward

is about actively expressing dissatisfaction rather than silent sulking

Antonyms

34 1.0

In a happy, friendly way that shows you want to help

Acts calmly and patiently while accepting hard things without protest

How Annoyed

irritably
8 4.1
querulously
1 9.4
complainingly
3.9
calmly
110 1.0

Surface Forms

complainingly positive

Morphology

complainingly = complaining (transparent) = complain + ing + ly

Standard adverbial formation from the adjective/participle 'complaining' using the productive suffix '-ly', yielding 'in a complaining manner'.

Etymology

Complainingly comes from the verb complain, which means 'to say you are unhappy or annoyed', plus the ending -ing for ongoing action and -ly to make an adverb, so complainingly means 'in a way that shows you are unhappy or annoyed'.