niggling
[ nig-ling ]
/ ˈnɪg lɪŋ /
adjective
petty; trivial; inconsequential: to quibble about a niggling difference in terminology.
demanding too much care, attention, time, etc.: niggling chores about the house.
OTHER WORDS FROM niggling
nig·gling·ly, adverbWords nearby niggling
niggardly,
nigger,
nigger heaven,
nigger of the narcissus, the,
niggle,
niggling,
nigh,
night,
night and day,
night blindness,
night bolt
Definition for niggling (2 of 2)
niggle
[ nig-uh l ]
/ ˈnɪg əl /
verb (used without object), nig·gled, nig·gling.
to criticize, especially constantly or repeatedly, in a peevish or petty way; carp: to niggle about the fine points of interpretation; preferring to niggle rather than take steps to correct a situation.
to spend too much time and effort on inconsequential details: It's difficult to be meticulous and not niggle.
to work ineffectively; trifle: to niggle with an uninteresting task.
Origin of niggle
1610–20; < Scandinavian; compare Norwegian
nigla to be penurious (ultimately < Old Norse
hnøggr stingy, cognate with Old English
hnēaw); cf.
niggard
OTHER WORDS FROM niggle
nig·gler, nounExample sentences from the Web for niggling
Niggling, trifling, or idling; taking short steps in walking.
The Slang Dictionary |John Camden Hotten
British Dictionary definitions for niggling (1 of 2)
niggling
/ (ˈnɪɡlɪŋ) /
adjective
petty
fussy
irritating
requiring painstaking work
persistently troubling
a niggling back pain
noun
an act or instance of niggling
Derived forms of niggling
nigglingly, adverbBritish Dictionary definitions for niggling (2 of 2)
niggle
/ (ˈnɪɡəl) /
verb
(intr)
to find fault continually
(intr)
to be preoccupied with details; fuss
(tr)
to irritate; worry
noun
a slight or trivial objection or complaint
a slight feeling as of misgiving, uncertainty, etc
Derived forms of niggle
niggler, noun niggly, adjectiveWord Origin for niggle
C16: from Scandinavian; related to Norwegian
nigla. Compare
niggard