nagging — continuously complaining or finding fault
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: continuously complaining or finding fault
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈnæɡɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- My phone keeps sending me nagging reminders to update my apps.
- There's a nagging voice in my head telling me I forgot something important.
- The nagging alarm clock refused to let him sleep in on Sunday morning.
nagging
ADJECTIVE[/ˈnæɡɪŋ/]
continuously complaining or finding fault
Constantly complaining and finding fault
The coach nagged the players about practice and discipline every day.
The constant nag felt like dragging a heavy bag all day.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'nagging' derives from the Scandinavian verb 'nag', attested from the 16th century, which originally meant 'to gnaw' or 'to bite'. The meaning evolved metaphorically to describe persistent, annoying behavior, as if something were continuously gnawing or wearing away at one's patience.
Breakdown
nag (to gnaw, to pester) + -ing (present participle suffix indicating ongoing action). The base verb 'nag' carries the literal sense of gnawing, extended figuratively to mean continuous nagging or harassment.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My phone keeps sending me nagging reminders to update my apps.”
“There's a nagging voice in my head telling me I forgot something important.”
“The nagging alarm clock refused to let him sleep in on Sunday morning.”
“She had a nagging suspicion that her cat was plotting world domination.”
“His nagging backache made it difficult to concentrate on work.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.