niggle

[ nig-uhl ]

See synonyms for: niggle niggling niggler on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object),nig·gled, nig·gling.

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.
to spend too much time and effort on inconsequential details: It's difficult to be meticulous and not niggle.

to work ineffectively; trifle: to niggle with an uninteresting task.

Origin of niggle

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

Other words from niggle

niggler, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for niggle

niggle

/ (ˈnɪɡəl) /

verb

(intr) to find fault continually
(intr) to be preoccupied with details; fuss

(tr) to irritate; worry

noun

a slight or trivial objection or complaint
a slight feeling as of misgiving, uncertainty, etc

Origin of niggle

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

Derived forms of niggle

niggler, noun
niggly, adjective

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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