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

They may have some nagging concerns and some lingering doubts.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026

He was thrilled, of course, but he also had a nagging worry that Scotland had scored too soon.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 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

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have been a nagging worry across financial markets for months, with recent jitters pushing up the “risk premium” in the price of oil.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 18, 2026

But as February became March, the nagging uncertainty Rachel had introduced into my relationship with Traveler persisted.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows

Related Words

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