niggling

American  

[nig-ling] / ˈnɪg lɪŋ /

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.

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niggling British  

/ ˈnɪɡlɪŋ /

adjective

1. petty

2. fussy

3. irritating

4. requiring painstaking work

5. persistently troubling

   a niggling back pain

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noun

1. an act or instance of niggling

Other Word Forms

• nigglingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of niggling

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

Example Sentences

There was, however, a niggling problem: The running premiums on these insurance contracts ate into the short-term returns of Howie’s group.

From Literature

Snoeijs is healthy now, aside from a few niggling hip injuries, and her heart is screened every few years.

From BBC

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