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

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of niggle¹

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

Example Sentences

All this time I’d harbored the little niggling thought that he hadn’t trusted me.

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

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

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Rogers has impressed under Tuchel, starting five and featuring in all eight of the games the German has managed - though a hamstring niggle could give Bellingham the opportunity to start against Serbia.

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There was, however, a niggling problem: The running premiums on these insurance contracts ate into the short-term returns of Howie’s group.

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