SINCE 1828

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niggling

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adjective nig·gling \ ˈni-g(ə-)liŋ \

Definition of niggling

:petty; also :bothersome or persistent especially in a petty or tiresome way

niggling injuries

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niggling

noun

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nigglingly

play \ˈni-g(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb

See niggling defined for English-language learners

Examples of niggling in a Sentence

only niggling differences between the original Broadway musical and the film version that followed

First Known Use of niggling

1599

niggling Synonyms

Synonyms

chicken, de minimis, footling, inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, measly, Mickey Mouse, minute, negligible, no-account, nominal, paltry, peanut, petty, picayune, piddling, piddly, piffling, pimping, slight, trifling, trivial

Antonyms

big, consequential, considerable, important, material, significant

Related Words

inferior, mean; imperceptible, inappreciable; little, puny, tiny; hairsplitting, nitpicking, pettifogging, quibbling; one-horse, small-fry, two-bit

Near Antonyms

serious, substantial, weighty; eventful, momentous, pivotal; conspicuous, noteworthy, outstanding, prominent, remarkable, striking; appreciable, discernible (also discernable), measurable

NIGGLING Defined for English Language Learners

niggling

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adjective

Definition of niggling for English Language Learners

: causing you to feel a slight pain or to be worried or annoyed for a long time

NIGGLING Defined for Kids

niggling

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adjective nig·gling \ ˈni-gliŋ \

Definition of niggling for Students

:petty 1

Learn More about niggling

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for niggling Spanish Central: Translation of niggling Nglish: Translation of niggling for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of niggling for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

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WORD OF THE DAY

toothsome

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agreeable, attractive, or delicious

BROWSE DICTIONARY

niggle

niggliite

niggling

niggly

niggun

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Examples: niggling in a Sentence