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View synonyms for niggle

niggle

[nig-uhl]

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.



niggle

/ ˈnɪɡəl /

verb

  1. (intr) to find fault continually

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

  3. (tr) to irritate; worry

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a slight or trivial objection or complaint

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • niggly adjective
  • niggler noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of niggle1

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

Origin of niggle1

C16: from Scandinavian; related to Norwegian nigla. Compare niggard
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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.

"I think he'll power through even if he has a little niggle," said Brook.

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Mbappe had received treatment for a "small niggle" in his right ankle picked up playing for Real Madrid last weekend.

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Snoeijs is healthy now, aside from a few niggling hip injuries, and her heart is screened every few years.

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The only real moment of concern for the 2021 US Open champion was when she appeared to be bothered by a back niggle in the second set.

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Despite the niggling issues, allowing foreign players entry into India's government procurement market marks a far-reaching policy shift.

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nigger heavenniggling