nagging
Americanadjective
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continually faultfinding, complaining, or petulant.
a nagging parent.
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persistently recurring; unrelenting.
a nagging backache.
Other Word 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.
But Henry was superb, nagging away with wicketkeeper Tom Blundell up to the stumps.
From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026
When Olaosebikan was starting his company four years ago, a nagging question was, "Oh, there's no 'E'. So where would they charge?" he told AFP.
From Barron's • Jun. 8, 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
“We’re going out today,” Henry said, pushing back the nagging irritation he felt when he saw how easy it was for Naomi.
From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez
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.
