I need a word for "impotent whining"

Question

I need a word for the act of impotently whining and crying over something that you can't change —like, for example, moaning and groaning about what to do now that Trump is President-Elect instead of finding something actually useful to do.

Answer 1

"Hand-wringing" is used to express the idea that someone is "fretting" over something and instead of taking positive action, just stands by, impotently wringing their hands.

Hand-wringing as defined by MWO:

an overwrought expression of concern or guilt

This expression dates back to 1922 (per MWO).

Answer 2

I think the word moping works.

Mope:

To be unhappy and unwilling to think or act in a positive way, especially because of a disappointment.

'There's no point in sitting at home and moping - get out there and find yourself another job!' (Cambridge Dictionary)

‘But he frequently has been his own worst enemy by moping and overanalyzing, leading to a loss of confidence and bad habits.’ (OED)

Answer 3

There's always the British "whinging," which I think of as "extra-strength whining". (Also, with respect to the Trunp presidency, I think "grieving" may be what you're observing in others.

Answer 4

Of course bleating comes from the sound of a sheep or a goat, but it has come to mean a feeble whining, which is pretty close to an impotent whining. The Free Dictionary: bleating ". 2. A whining, feeble complaint."