Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

niggling

[nig-ling]
See more synonyms for niggling on Thesaurus.com
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.
Show More

Origin of niggling

First recorded in 1590–1600; niggle + -ing2
Related formsnig·gling·ly, adverb

niggle

[nig-uh l]
verb (used without object), nig·gled, nig·gling.
  1. 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.
  2. to spend too much time and effort on inconsequential details: It's difficult to be meticulous and not niggle.
  3. to work ineffectively; trifle: to niggle with an uninteresting task.
Show More

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 formsnig·gler, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

piddlingtriflingfrivolousinconsequentialpettytrivialunimportantfinickyfussypicayune

Examples from the Web for niggling

Historical Examples

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

    The Slang Dictionary

    John Camden Hotten

British Dictionary definitions for niggling

niggling

adjective
  1. petty
  2. fussy
  3. irritating
  4. requiring painstaking work
  5. persistently troublinga niggling back pain
Show More
noun
  1. an act or instance of niggling
Show More
Derived Formsnigglingly, adverb

niggle

verb
  1. (intr) to find fault continually
  2. (intr) to be preoccupied with details; fuss
  3. (tr) to irritate; worry
Show More
noun
  1. a slight or trivial objection or complaint
  2. a slight feeling as of misgiving, uncertainty, etc
Show More
Derived Formsniggler, nounniggly, adjective

Word Origin

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

Word Origin and History for niggling

niggle

v.

1590s (implied in niggling), possibly from a Scandinavian source (cf. Norwegian dialectal nigla "be busy with trifles"), perhaps related to source of niggard. Related: Niggled; niggling; niggler.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper