niggle

[ nig-uhl ]
See synonyms for: nigglenigglingniggler on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object),nig·gled, nig·gling.
  1. to criticize, especially 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.

  1. to work ineffectively; trifle: to niggle with an uninteresting task.

Origin of niggle

1
1610–20; <Scandinavian; compare Norwegian nigla to be penurious (ultimately <Old Norse hnøggr stingy, cognate with Old English hnēaw); cf. niggard

Other words from niggle

  • niggler, noun

Words Nearby niggle

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How to use niggle in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for niggle

niggle

/ (ˈnɪɡəl) /


verb
  1. (intr) to find fault continually

  2. (intr) to be preoccupied with details; fuss

  1. (tr) to irritate; worry

noun
  1. a slight or trivial objection or complaint

  2. a slight feeling as of misgiving, uncertainty, etc

Origin of niggle

1
C16: from Scandinavian; related to Norwegian nigla. Compare niggard

Derived forms of niggle

  • niggler, noun
  • niggly, adjective

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