nagging

[nag-ing] / ˈnæg ɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

painful

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aching agonizing excruciating grievous inflamed severe terrible throbbing troublesome

STRONG

biting burning distressing harrowing hurting irritated piercing saddening smarting stinging tender tormenting trying

WEAK

achy afflictive arduous awful caustic difficult dire disagreeable distasteful dreadful extreme extremely bad hard hurtful laborious raw sensitive sharp sore tedious uncomfortable unpleasant vexatious

Antonyms

STRONGEST

easy good helpful nice pleasant

STRONG

mild

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Looking ahead: Powell, in his final press conference, admitted inflation is still a nagging problem five years after it spiked, but he said he sees no signs the economy is sputtering.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Although he was entering his 12th NBA season and coming off nagging injuries, the Lakers still saw Smart as an important addition.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

As Enchassi waited to learn his friend’s fate, a thought kept nagging at him—an impulse he felt ashamed of, but found impossible to ignore.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

He was thrilled, of course, but he also had a nagging worry that Scotland had scored too soon.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Voices and images were ranged around her bedside, agitated, nagging presences, jostling and merging, resisting her attempts to set them in order.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

nagging

Example Sentences

Related Words