nagging

[nag-ing]

adjective

1. continually faultfinding, complaining, or petulant.

   a nagging parent.

2. persistently recurring; unrelenting.

   a nagging backache.

Other Word Forms

• naggingness noun
• unnagging adjective
• unnaggingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of nagging¹

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

Example Sentences

“I just remember sound effects — or specifically haunted mansion albums were just around. It was a little bit of a nagging whim. Like, ‘Huh, whatever happened to those?

From Los Angeles Times

Much of their lineup was either on the injured list or scuffling in the wake of previous, nagging injuries.

From Los Angeles Times

The theory then was that his nagging shoulder injury was partially to blame.

From Los Angeles Times

More than two and a half years after she took office, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has fulfilled a nagging campaign promise to film industry advocates.

From Los Angeles Times

He said he had been in hiding since 2014 and had returned and spoken up to silence his nagging conscience.

From BBC

Related Words

• aching 
• agonizing 
• excruciating 
• grievous 
• inflamed www.thesaurus.com
• severe 
• terrible 
• throbbing 
• troublesome