Grumble vs. Complain — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
Grumbling involves expressing discontent in a low, muttering tone, focusing on minor grievances; complaining is a more explicit expression of dissatisfaction, often addressing more significant issues.
Difference Between Grumble and Complain
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Grumbling typically manifests as a subtle, often inaudible expression of dissatisfaction, usually over relatively trivial matters. Whereas, complaining involves a clearer, more direct expression of discontent, which can be about substantial issues and is intended to be heard and addressed.
Grumble is often more habitual and done somewhat unconsciously, involving murmuring or muttering under one's breath. On the other hand, complain is generally a deliberate action where the dissatisfaction is articulated clearly and often formally to someone who could potentially remedy the situation.
Grumbling might not necessarily require an audience; it can be a personal expression of annoyance or discontent that isn’t intended to evoke a response. Whereas complaining is usually directed towards someone—a friend, authority, or organization—as a call to action or a plea for change.
Grumblers tend to keep their displeasure vague and their voice low, which might not lead to resolution of their issues. On the other hand, complainers are explicit about their grievances, which often prompts discussion or resolution.
Comparison Chart
Intensity of expression
Low, often murmuring
Clear and direct
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Purpose
Express discontent subtly
Seek resolution or change
Audibility
Low, sometimes inaudible
Audible and intended to be heard
Context
Minor annoyances
Significant issues
Outcome
Rarely seeks change
Often prompts discussion or resolution
Compare with Definitions
Grumble
A habitual, often unintentional expression of annoyance.
Grumbling has become his automatic response to any change.
Complain
An explicit demand for change following a grievance.
She complained about the broken air conditioning.
Grumble
A soft, indistinct sound made to express dissatisfaction.
She would grumble about the cold weather every morning.
Complain
Formal expression of dissatisfaction, often seeking redress.
They decided to complain officially about the health violations.
Grumble
To mutter complaints in a low tone.
He grumbled about the new policies but did nothing to challenge them.
Complain
To state that something is unsatisfactory or unacceptable.
He complains about the noise levels frequently.
Grumble
Expression of discontent without direct confrontation.
Throughout the meeting, he grumbled under his breath.
Complain
To express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.
She complained to the manager about the poor service.
Grumble
An under-the-breath murmur of dissatisfaction.
The workers grumbled about the extended hours.
Complain
A vocal expression of discontent intended to prompt action.
After complaining about the issue, it was quickly resolved.
Grumble
To complain in a surly manner; mutter discontentedly
"The governed will always find something to grumble about" (Crane Brinton).
Complain
To express feelings of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment.
Grumble
To rumble or growl.
Complain
To make a formal accusation or bring a formal charge; file a complaint.
Grumble
To express in a grumbling discontented manner
Grumbled a rude response.
Complain
(intransitive) To express feelings of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment.
Joe was always complaining about the noise made by his neighbours.
Grumble
A muttered complaint.
Complain
(intransitive) To make a formal accusation or bring a formal charge.
They've complained about me to the police again.
Grumble
A rumble; a growl.
Complain
To creak or squeak, as a timber or wheel.
The complaining bed-springs
Grumble
(onomatopoeia) A low thundering, rumbling or growling sound.
Complain
To give utterance to expression of grief, pain, censure, regret. etc.; to lament; to murmur; to find fault; - commonly used with of. Also, to creak or squeak, as a timber or wheel.
O loss of sight, of thee I most complain!
Grumble
The sound made by a hungry stomach.
Complain
To make a formal accusation; to make a charge.
Now, Master Shallow, you'll complain of me to the king?
Grumble
A surly complaint.
That whiner is never without a grumble to share.
Complain
To lament; to bewail.
They might the grievance inwardly complain.
By chaste Lucrece's soul that late complain'dHer wrongs to us.
Grumble
(intransitive) To make a low, growling or rumbling noise, like a hungry stomach or certain animals.
The distant thunder grumbles.
Complain
Express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness;
My mother complains all day
She has a lot to kick about
Grumble
(intransitive) To complain; to murmur or mutter with discontent; to make ill-natured complaints in a low voice and a surly manner.
He grumbles about the food constantly, but has yet to learn to cook.
Complain
Make a formal accusation; bring a formal charge;
The plaintiff's lawyer complained that he defendant had physically abused his client
Grumble
(transitive) To utter in a grumbling fashion.
Grumble
To murmur or mutter with discontent; to make ill-natured complaints in a low voice and a surly manner.
L'Avare, not using half his store,Still grumbles that he has no more.
Grumble
To growl; to snarl in deep tones; as, a lion grumbling over his prey.
Grumble
To rumble; to make a low, harsh, and heavy sound; to mutter; as, the distant thunder grumbles.
Grumble
To express or utter with grumbling.
Grumble
The noise of one that grumbles.
Grumble
A grumbling, discontented disposition.
A bad case of grumble.
Grumble
A loud low dull continuous noise;
They heard the rumbling of thunder
Grumble
A complaint uttered in a low and indistinct tone
Grumble
Show one's unhappiness or critical attitude;
He scolded about anything that he thought was wrong
We grumbled about the increased work load
Grumble
Make complaining remarks or noises under one's breath;
She grumbles when she feels overworked
Grumble
To utter or emit low dull rumbling sounds;
He grumbled a rude response
Stones grumbled down the cliff
Grumble
Make a low noise;
Rumbling thunder
Common Curiosities
Can grumbling lead to a solution?
Grumbling is less likely to lead to a solution as it is often not directed towards an audience that can make changes.
What is complaining?
Complaining is a vocal and clear expression of dissatisfaction, typically about significant matters.
How do grumble and complain differ in context?
Grumbling usually concerns minor annoyances, while complaining addresses more serious concerns.
What could be a typical response to a complaint?
A typical response could involve addressing the issue raised or discussing possible solutions.
Who is likely to hear a grumble?
Grumbles are often so low that they might not be intended for anyone specific to hear.
Do complainers seek an audience?
Yes, complainers generally seek an audience who has the power to address their grievances.
What is grumbling?
Grumbling is a low and often barely audible murmur of dissatisfaction about minor issues.
Is it common to grumble in professional settings?
Yes, it's common, especially as a low-risk way of expressing discontent without sparking conflict.
Is complaining more effective than grumbling?
Yes, because complaining is clear and directed, it is more likely to prompt action or a resolution.
Why do people grumble instead of complain?
People may grumble instead of complain to avoid confrontation or because they feel the issue is too minor.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
