Humans get dissatisfied from time to time and we complain regularly about things we are not pleased with. Everyone does this once in a while and it can be perceived as a normal characteristic in everyone. However, some people do it more often than others- often enough to be known for the habit.
Complaining excessively is a thing and you must have known one or two persons who complain excessively about one thing or just complain about everything. There are many English words to qualify a person who complains about everything.
Here is a list of 20 words for a person who complains about everything.
- Nagger
- Fault-finder
- Perfectionist
- Grumbler
- Finicky
- Censorious
- Malcontent
- Critical
- Complainer
- Picky
- Griper
- Kvetch
- Whiner
- Anal-retentive
- Curmudgeon
- Bellyacher
- Grouser
- Nitpicker
- Quibbler
- Sniveller
Key Things to Note
- The best word to call a person who continues to complain about something or everything ‘Nagger’.
- The best term for a person who is quick to find flaws in people or things around him/her is ‘Fault-finding’.
- Someone who wants everything perfectly done and will not stop complaining until he/she gets the exact picture in his/her head is called a ‘Perfectionist’
- A person who complains with moans and grumblings under his/her breath can be referred to as a ‘Grumbler.
Nagger
One of the most direct terms you can use in referring to a person who complains is ‘Nagger’.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a ‘Nagger’ is ‘someone who continuously reminds or complains to (someone) in an annoying way, often about insignificant or unnecessary matters.’ A shorter definition is ‘Someone who nags’
You can call a person a nagger;
- If he/she is complaining about a situation that doesn’t concern you or that you can’t fix. He/she just keeps ranting about it, especially at a later or unexpected moment. Such a person is complaining needlessly and purposelessly.
- If he/she always has something to complain about concerning something e.g. workplace, siblings, etc. While there are similar words that are more particular about this kind of complaining, you can still refer to such a person as a nagger.
- If he/she complains endlessly about a situation that has been fixed or cannot be fixed by anyone. In this case, there is nothing more that can be done about the situation and he/she is just reflecting on how annoying the situation had been.
Here is an example of how to use ‘Nagger’ in a sentence;
- Don’t think I’m just being a nagger. He has provided a solution but I just needed to tell someone how I really feel about what happened.
Fault-finder
When referring to a person who always finds the tiniest or barely noticeable things to complain about, you can call him/her a nagger.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a ‘faultfinder’ is simply ‘a person who finds faults’. ‘Finding faults’ can be defined as the act of criticizing something or someone excessively.
Faultfinding is when you seem to be consciously looking for something to complain about or a reason to condemn something or someone.
However, the word is an ‘accusation’ for people who seem to always have something to complain about or are difficult to please.
You can call a person a fault-finder:
- If he/she complains about something that would otherwise not be noticed by anyone. He/she may seem to be consciously looking for a reason to call you incompetent.
- If he/she calls out flaws that can be ignored or that are not actually important. He/she may also find different faults at different times, asking that a project be redone several times.
A faultfinder will be difficult to satisfy if he/she doesn’t believe that another person can be perfect or satisfy him/her.
Here is an example of how to use ‘Faultfinder’ in a sentence;
- My boss is the worst faultfinder ever so I’m glad he doesn’t have to be impressed with my work. Trying is a waste of time.
Perfectionist
When referring to a person who complains about himself and others while seeking perfection, you can call him/her a perfectionist.
A perfectionist may find it difficult to stop complaining due to the desire for a high standard that even he/she can hardly picture.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a Perfectionist is a person who is unwilling to accept anything that is not perfect or does not meet very high standards’. Most Perfectionists have their ideas of perfection and want everything done exactly as they picture it.
Being perfectionistic is being choosy with what you accept from others or yourself. A Perfectionist can be hard on others and equally as hard on himself or herself.
A Perfectionist;
- Sets a very high standard for himself or herself or others and will complain if the standard is not met. He/she will demand a redo till it’s made exactly as he/she expects. Also, he/she will find faults with every part that doesn’t match or isn’t better than what he/she wants.
- Wants perfection to be proven. He/she isn’t just hard to please but can be convinced to change his/her perception of perfection with irrefutable proof. Till that is done, a Perfectionist will complain about anything that is contrary to his/her ‘perfect’ ideas.
Here is an example of how to use ‘Perfectionist’ in a sentence;
- Don’t take me for a Perfectionist. We are going against opponents who meet tremendously high standards.
Grumbler
Here is a word for a nagger who complains under his/her breath. This can refer to virtually anyone who complains but it’s more appropriate if he/she is not directly talking to anyone or is inaudible.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a Grumbler is simply ‘someone who persistently grumbles’. Grumbling is the low, growling sound often made by some animals. In this context, it refers to ill-natured complaints in a low voice and surly manner.
A Grumbler complains under his/her breath without confronting or referring to anyone. While his/her voice may be barely audible, the murmurings are loud enough for anyone to know that he/she is making a sound.
Here is an example of how to use ‘Grumbler’ in a sentence;
- He’s a Grumbler when it comes to food and he still hasn’t learned to cook.
Finicky
If you are dealing with a person who is stubborn about details and will complain if not given specifically what he/she demands, you can refer to him/her as ‘Finicky’.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a Finicky person is ‘someone who is very choosy and difficult to please.’ Another definition is ‘a person who is particular about petty details’.
A finicky person;
- has an idea of what he/she desires in mind and wants to be given exactly that. He/she demands to be satisfied and will not accept anything that doesn’t match what he/she desires.
- is obsessed with his/her choice and doesn’t care about what is better (unlike a Perfectionist).
- may also be obsessed with tiny and ignorable details, wanting everything to perfectly match his/her example. He/she may give guidelines and want every one of them to be followed without any change.
Here is an example of how to use ‘Finicky’ in a sentence;
- The teacher is extremely finicky so you should keep your ideas to yourself if you want to pass this subject.
Censorious
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a Censorious person is ‘ one who is addicted to criticizing things, apt to blame or condemn, and severe in making remarks on others’. This is the kind of person who complains too quickly.
A censorious person can also be called Faultfinding but the two words don’t exactly mean the same thing. Being fault-finding has to do with being critical. Being censorious is an addiction to the act of criticism and strictness in its practice, making a person criticize or condemn too early.
A censorious person;
- may complain about things that are unnecessary just for the sake of proving that another person is not perfect. He/she may also find faults unnecessarily due to an underlying grudge.
- may also see faults that are not there while he/she is trying to condemn another person’s works. He/she can go on ranting about a flaw until it is proven to be absent.
Here is an example of how to use ‘Censorious’ in a sentence;
- My dad is very Censorious whenever he gets back from work.
Malcontent
Just like ‘Nagger’ refers to everyone who complains for any reason, ‘Malcontent’ refers to the reason everyone complains. However, it doesn’t necessarily refer to a Nagger. Not all malcontent people complain.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a Malcontent person is ‘one who is not satisfied with current conditions’.
A Malcontent person;
- Is truly dissatisfied with what he/she is complaining about.
- Doesn’t necessarily complain about something but virtually all Naggers complain because they are Malcontent.
- May be a picky person or a Perfectionist but isn’t a chronic faultfinder. Therefore, he/she simply cares about being satisfied.
How to use Malcontent in a sentence;
- The politician was Malcontent with what he was being paid.
Critical
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a critical person is ‘one who is inclined to find faults’. It also refers to a person who ‘evaluates something to determine its merits and faults.’
Criticism has to do with honestly stating what is wrong with something. However, to portray its honesty, It includes the positive aspects of what is being criticized. You can call a person critical if he/she complains about something but also mentions what is good about it.
How to use Critical in a sentence;
- If we are not critical, we can’t attain perfection.
Complainer
‘Complainer’ is a more common synonym for a ‘Nagger’.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a complainer is ‘someone who constantly expresses feelings of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment.’
‘Complaining’ is another one for ‘Nagging’ so this word can be generally used for people who give complaints, irrespective of what they complain about or how often they complain.
However, there are more appropriate terms to use in some situations than ‘Nagger’. Also, ‘Nagger’ is more suitable for certain situations.
How to use ‘Complainer’ in a sentence;
- I met a complainer in your store and she ranted endlessly about everything.
Picky
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a picky person is ‘someone who demands to have things done in a particular way.’
A picky or finicky person is like a Perfectionist, in the sense that he/she wants something to be done exactly as he/she desires it done. However, in this case, it is not about achieving perfection or meeting high standards but satisfying his/her choices.
How to use ‘Picky’ in a sentence;
- I am very picky about how my chicken is served.
Griper
‘Griper’ is another word for a ‘Grumbler’.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a Griper is simply ‘someone who gripes’. Griping can simply mean complaining but it has to do with crying while complaining.
While Griping- like Grumbling- refers to a certain annoying sound of discontent mutters, it is also often generally used to refer to Naggers.
How to use Griper in a sentence;
- My brother is a Griper. When he starts whining, I wear my headset.
Kvetch
‘Kvetch’ is a synonym for ‘Grumbler’ or ‘Griper’.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a Kvetch is a ‘person who endlessly whines or complains’. It also refers to the act of finding fault.
Kvetch refers to;
- Someone who keeps complaining even to people who can’t help.
- Someone who complains under his/her breath while referring to no one in particular.
- Someone who is irritable and finds fault in everything.
How to use Kvetch in a sentence;
- My brother is a silly Kvetch whenever he’s broke.
Whiner
This is another word for a ‘Grumbler’ of ‘Complainer’.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a Whiner is ‘a person who complains in a high-pitched cry’.
A Whiner simply complains under his breath or in an annoying tone. This is often to get the attention of whoever is listening. A Whiner may not seem to be referring to a particular person but he/she is whining so a particular person can hear him/her.
How to use Whiner in a sentence;
- You’ve been a Whiner since I’ve known you. You still haven’t changed.
Anal-retentive
‘Anal-retentive’ is an alternative adjective for a ‘Finicky’ person.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, an Anal-retentive person is ‘one who is overly obsessive concerning small details.’
An anal-retentive person is easily faultfinding while hell-bent on perfection. The word is similar to being perfectionistic. This kind of ‘Choosiness’, however, is only one of the features of a Perfectionist.
How to use ‘Anal-retentive’ in a sentence;
- The supervisor is anal-retentive. You’ll be fine if you just follow his orders.
Curmudgeon
‘Curmudgeon’ can refer to a Perfectionist but it is more suitable for a Finicky person.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a Curmudgeon is ‘an ill-tempered person full of stubborn ideas or opinions.’ He/she is choosy, unwilling to change, and gets easily upset when things are not done in his/her way.
A Curmudgeon can also be referred to as Anal-retentive, in the sense that he/she wants his/her stubborn ideas to be followed to a core.
How to use ‘Curmudgeon’ in a sentence;
- He is a bit of a Curmudgeon and that’s because he thinks he knows best.
Bellyacher
A bellyacher is also known as a complainer.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a bellyacher is ‘one who unnecessarily complains or whines, often about simple matters.’
This is often used to refer to a novice or someone who is insecure. He/she gets worried or makes a fuss over something which is naturally trivial.
How to use ‘Bellyacher’ in a sentence;
- That Customer is a chronic bellyacher. I hope someone else attends to her next time.
Grouser
‘Grouser’ is another name for a Grumbler.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a Grouser is ‘a person who persistently grumbles’. This can refer to a person who complains a lot and under his/her breath.
This strictly refers to the grumbling sound of a malcontent person.
How to use ‘Grouser’ in a sentence;
- She’s always being a Grouser about her teachers and how they treat her.
Nitpicker
‘Nitpicker’ is another name for a Censorious or faultfinding person.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a Nitpicker is ‘a person who finds fault in unimportant details.’
Just as the name suggests, a nitpicker picks ‘nits’ of others. ‘Nit’ refers to ‘a minor shortcoming’. Therefore, a nitpicker is one who seems to actively look for reasons to complain (like a censorious person).
How to use ‘Nitpicker’ in a sentence;
- You are being a shameless nitpicker. Just let the boy go.
Quibbler
‘Quibbler’ is another name for a complainer or nagger.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a Quibbler is ‘a person who complains or argues in a trivial or petty manner’.
This is a talkative whose chats are always condemning or complaining about something.
How to use ‘Quibbler’ in a sentence;
- Those tiny quibblers won’t stop moaning in my ears.
Sniveler
According to the Oxford Dictionary, A sniveler is ‘a person who whines and complains about small matters.’
Like a bellyacher, a Sniveler is naïve and will get easily worried or upset by matters that are considered trivial by others.
How to use Sniveler in a sentence;
- The introverted girl is such a Sniveler when she’s with her boyfriend.
