nagging
Americanadjective
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continually faultfinding, complaining, or petulant.
a nagging parent.
-
persistently recurring; unrelenting.
a nagging backache.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of nagging
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Nagging recession and interest rate worries had Europe's markets spluttering on Thursday, and the pound started to sag as Britain looked to put last month's disastrous fiscal experiment behind it with an austere-looking budget.
From Reuters • Nov. 17, 2022
Nagging injuries have derailed a career once headed for all-time status.
From Washington Post • Jul. 21, 2022
Nagging injuries became chronic ones, because the cadets still had to attend to their military duties, go to class and the library while participating in their sport.
From New York Times • Dec. 10, 2021
Nagging, resistance, and conflict is not what either of you needs right now, especially if it might sour her on an educational experience that sounds like, all things considered, is going pretty well.
From Slate • Mar. 18, 2021
High on a three-legged stool uncushioned, he Sits glowering through his goggles painfully, Nagging his brain with all a grinder's might Till one sounds on the drowsy ear of night.
From Literary Tours in The Highlands and Islands of Scotland by Holmes, Daniel Turner
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
