niggle

American  

[nig-uhl] / ˈnɪg əl /

verb (used without object)

niggled, niggling

1. to criticize, especially constantly or repeatedly, in a peevish or petty way; carp.

   to niggle about the fine points of interpretation; preferring to niggle rather than take steps to correct a situation.

2. to spend too much time and effort on inconsequential details.

   It's difficult to be meticulous and not niggle.

3. to work ineffectively; trifle.

   to niggle with an uninteresting task.

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niggle British  

/ ˈnɪɡəl /

verb

1. (intr) to find fault continually

2. (intr) to be preoccupied with details; fuss

3. (tr) to irritate; worry

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noun

1. a slight or trivial objection or complaint

2. a slight feeling as of misgiving, uncertainty, etc

Other Word Forms

• niggler noun
• niggly adjective

Etymology

Origin of niggle

1610–20; < Scandinavian; compare Norwegian nigla to be penurious (ultimately < Old Norse hnøggr stingy, cognate with Old English hnēaw ); niggard

Example Sentences

The prospect of cuts has helped push world markets ever higher this year, offsetting niggling worries about stretched valuations in the tech sector.

From Barron's

Even small niggles can mean players miss two or three games.

From BBC

Patients are being warned not to clog up A&E with everyday niggles as NHS figures show thousands turned to hospitals for minor ailments such as hiccups and ingrowing toenails last winter.

From BBC

If a player feels a niggle, he is told to rest.

From BBC

She arrived carrying a slight niggle, and a minor injury that kept her out of October's England camp has slowed her progress.

From BBC