moan

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

v. to complain about something in a way that other people find annoying.

v. to grumble or complain persistently, often about trivial matters. Frequently used intransitively or with a 'that' clause.

“Stop moaning about the weather; there is nothing we can do to change it.”

“He spent the entire dinner moaning about his commute, oblivious to the fact that everyone else had traveled much further to be there.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a low sound of pain, sadness, or pleasure.

n. a low, prolonged sound of sorrow, pain, or physical pleasure.

“A low moan came from the bedroom where the patient was resting.”

“The heavy wooden door opened with a long, metallic moan that echoed through the empty hallway.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal

n. an act of complaining about something.

n. an instance of grumbling or complaining, typically perceived as tedious by the listener.

“She had a good moan about her boss over a cup of coffee.”

“After a brief moan about the rising cost of electricity, the committee moved on to the more pressing items on the agenda.”