niggling

[ nig-ling ]

adjective

1. petty; trivial; inconsequential:

   to quibble about a niggling difference in terminology.

2. demanding too much care, attention, time, etc.:

   niggling chores about the house.

niggling

/ ˈnɪɡlɪŋ /

adjective

1. petty
2. fussy
3. irritating
4. requiring painstaking work
5. persistently troubling

   a niggling back pain

noun

1. an act or instance of niggling

Derived Forms

• ˈnigglingly, adverb

Other Words From

• niggling·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of niggling¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; niggle + -ing ²

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg