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

Other Word Forms

• nigglingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of niggling¹

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

Example Sentences

Despite the niggling issues, allowing foreign players entry into India's government procurement market marks a far-reaching policy shift.

From BBC

Mr Jenkins, 56, said having to leave the home his son grew up in left him with the "niggling thought" that he did not want to "feel too comfortable, just in case" it happened again.

From BBC

Huw Jones is going through an individual routine with one of the Lions conditioners as the Scotland centre recovers from a niggling Achilles problem.

From BBC

During the pandemic, Matthew started looking for answers to niggling questions about his family history.

From BBC

Despite playing with niggling injuries, the England man is without doubt the oil that is currently greasing the Real machine.

From BBC