nitpick

American  

[nit-pik] / ˈnɪtˌpɪk /

Or nit-pick

verb (used without object)

1. to be excessively concerned with or critical of inconsequential details.

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verb (used with object)

1. to criticize by focusing on inconsequential details.

noun

1. a carping, petty criticism.

adjective

1. Also nitpicky of, relating to, or characteristic of a person who nitpicks.

   a nitpick review of the miniseries.

Etymology

Origin of nitpick

First recorded in 1965–70; nit ¹ + pick ¹

Explanation

When you nitpick, you focus on small, specific mistakes. An English teacher might nitpick by pointing out an unnecessary comma in your otherwise perfect 20-page paper. People who nitpick are bothered by minor problems — or else they're just looking for something to criticize. A movie critic who dislikes a director might nitpick about her latest film's slight inaccuracies. Your mom might nitpick about your outfit, saying, "It's a shame your socks don't quite match." Nitpick was first used in 1962, and nitpicker came first, from the idea that nitpickers search for faults the way they might pick nits, or lice eggs, from someone's hair.

Example Sentences

He did it again with another atheist by trying to nitpick what the word "believe" means when asked if one "believes" in God.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2025

"You can nitpick and things like that. For me, if you asked me three years ago whether I'd be on this team... it's just a real honour."

From BBC • Aug. 8, 2024

When that happens, you can’t nitpick flaws in a goalie’s style.

From Seattle Times • May 5, 2023

My only nitpick was that Yongkang Street is about three miles from the hotel and there are quicker food options nearby.

From New York Times • Mar. 29, 2023

“Can we just move this along? We don’t have time to nitpick each other.”

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall