definitions

niggling

[ nig-ling ]
/ ˈnɪg lɪŋ /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR niggling ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

petty; trivial; inconsequential: to quibble about a niggling difference in terminology.
demanding too much care, attention, time, etc.: niggling chores about the house.

RELATED WORDS

piddling, trifling, frivolous, inconsequential, petty, trivial, unimportant, finicky, fussy, picayune

Nearby words

niggardly, nigger, nigger heaven, nigger of the narcissus, the, niggle, niggling, nigh, night, night and day, night blindness, night bolt

Origin of niggling

First recorded in 1590–1600; niggle + -ing2

Related forms

nig·gling·ly, adverb

Definition for niggling (2 of 2)

niggle

[ nig-uh l ]
/ ˈnɪg əl /

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

Related forms

nig·gler, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for niggling

  • Niggling, trifling, or idling; taking short steps in walking.

    The Slang Dictionary|John Camden Hotten

British Dictionary definitions for niggling (1 of 2)

niggling

/ (ˈnɪɡlɪŋ) /

adjective

petty
fussy
irritating
requiring painstaking work
persistently troublinga niggling back pain

noun

an act or instance of niggling

Derived Forms

nigglingly, adverb

British Dictionary definitions for niggling (2 of 2)

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

Derived Forms

niggler, nounniggly, adjective

Word Origin for niggle

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