niggle
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
1Other words from niggle
- niggler, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
British Dictionary definitions for niggle
/ (ˈnɪɡəl) /
(intr) to find fault continually
(intr) to be preoccupied with details; fuss
(tr) to irritate; worry
a slight or trivial objection or complaint
a slight feeling as of misgiving, uncertainty, etc
Origin of niggle
1Derived 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
Browse