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

Derived Forms

• ˈnigglingly, adverb

Other Words From

• niggling·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of niggling¹

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

Example Sentences

"If somebody has some niggling concerns and it triggers them to ask somebody, 'Are you OK?' then that would be an amazing outcome."

From BBC

"There was something niggling in the back of my mind, I just knew something was off."

From BBC

A painful and niggling neck problem that emerged in the second round of the Players only served to increase his determination to become the first to defend the title.

From BBC

Ten Hag is also responsible for making Bruno Fernandes United's captain, with his main contribution here being constant complaining and niggling that eventually led to an inevitable yellow card.

From BBC

Weren’t the niggling and complicated MLS salary rules set up to prevent that?

From Los Angeles Times