gnawing

[ naw-ing ]

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that gnaws.
2. Usually gnawings. persistent, dull pains; pangs:

   the gnawings of hunger.

Other Words From

• gnawing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of gnawing¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; gnaw, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Democrats’ task in the next several years, he said, will be to find better ways to speak to and remedy those gnawing concerns.

From Los Angeles Times

The New York Giants must feel gnawing regret about letting the spectacular Saquon Barkley go, and the Eagles don’t mind at all.

From Los Angeles Times

In watching Tarell soldier on while he creates, learning what his art should be as he wrestles with the gift of compassion, we come to understand what’s so aesthetically resounding in life’s gnawing incompleteness.

From Los Angeles Times

Here’s a scenario: I’m an adult with a gnawing regret— let’s say it’s not buying the house of my dreams when I could afford it.

From Los Angeles Times

The kits have since been captured on camera, swimming, splashing and gnawing on bark.

From BBC