Niggle

/ˈnɪɡəl/ · noun

Meaning

A minor complaint or problem..

Definitions by Sense

1. A minor complaint or problem.
2. (obsolete) Small, cramped handwriting.
3. (transitive, obsolete) To trifle with; to deceive; to mock.
4. (transitive) To use, spend, or do in a petty or trifling manner.
5. (intransitive) To dwell too much on minor points or on trifling details.
6. (intransitive, chiefly UK) To fidget, fiddle, be restless.
7. (intransitive, UK, dialect, archaic) To walk with short steps.

Example Sentences

The Olympic medal contender's back problem has been described as a "niggle" by the head coach, Charles van Commenee, but Porter's friend and former team-mate Danielle Carruthers revealed that the injury is playing on the Briton's mind.

He declared that it would take until the early New Year for all the faults and niggles to be ironed out, and that the rest of 2019 would be deemed to be a 'bedding in' period.

I shall so feed your fierce vexation , And raise your worship ' s storms ; I shall so niggle you , And juggle you , and fiddle you , and firk you

I can see him now with his one eye closed as he came niggling along, and didn't he just give me a grandfather's blessing!

Synonyms for niggle

Antonyms for niggle

Related Words

Word Forms

• niggles
• niggling
• niggled

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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