nagging

American  

[nag-ing] / ˈnæg ɪŋ /

adjective

1. continually faultfinding, complaining, or petulant.

   a nagging parent.

2. persistently recurring; unrelenting.

   a nagging backache.

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Other Word Forms

• naggingness noun
• unnagging adjective
• unnaggingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of nagging

First recorded in 1830–40; nag ¹ + -ing ²

Explanation

Something that's nagging really bothers you — whether it's your nagging older sister, reminding you to take out the trash, or a nagging headache that lingers all day. A nagging boss might continually complain about your work — you could also describe her as "overcritical" or "faultfinding." When a physical pain or discomfort is nagging, it's just as disagreeable, tormenting or irritating you in an ongoing way, like a nagging pain in your lower back. The source of nagging is nag, which originally meant "gnaw or bite."

Example Sentences

Bhaduri, 88, now lives in a retirement facility, a few blocks away from his maternal home that is no longer welcoming of him, with nagging geriatric health issues and in the company of memories.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

They may have some nagging concerns and some lingering doubts.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026

That leaves various nagging questions for Adobe investors — ones that are “are unlikely to be resolved in the near term,” according to Bhatia.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

Baker-Mazara had missed three games last month because of a knee sprain and sat out practices throughout the season because of nagging minor injuries.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

"My mom's always nagging me to spend my allowance on something useful," she says with a mischievous smile.

From "The Sky at Our Feet" by Nadia Hashimi

Related Words

• aching
• agonizing
• excruciating
• grievous
• inflamed
• severe
• terrible
• throbbing
• troublesome