niggling

- 5 dictionary results

nig⋅gling

[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.

Origin:
1590–1600; niggle + -ing ²

Related forms:

nig⋅gling⋅ly, adverb

[nig-uh

–verb (used without object), -gled, -gling.

1.	to criticize, esp. 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.

Origin:
1610–20; < Scand; cf. Norw nigla to be penurious (ult. < ON hnøggr stingy, c. OE hnēaw); cf. niggard

Related forms:

niggler, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
Cite This Source

nig·gle (nĭg'əl)

intr.v. nig·gled, nig·gling, nig·gles

[Perhaps of Scandinavian origin.]
nig'gler n.

nig·gling (nĭg'lĭng)

adj.

Petty, especially in a nagging or annoying way; trifling: a pointless dispute over niggling details.
Overly concerned with details; exacting and fussy.

nig'gling n., nig'gling·ly adv.

Word Origin & History

niggle

1599 (implied in niggling), possibly from a Scand. source (cf. Norw. dial. nigla "be busy with trifles"), perhaps related to source of niggard.

Search another word or see niggling on Thesaurus | Reference

About
·
Privacy Policy
·
Terms of Use
·
Careers
·
Advertise with Us
·
Link to Us
·
Contact Us

Partner Sites: