nagging

Everyday

1. Nagging is telling someone again and again to do something, in an annoying way. tree →
2. A nagging pain or feeling goes on and on and will not go away. tree →
3. A nagging doubt or worry is a small worry that keeps coming back. tree →

In the lessons

In family stories, a child might complain about nagging to tidy up; in health, a nagging pain or cough should be checked by a doctor. Phrases: "stop nagging", "a nagging doubt", "a nagging headache".

Examples

• Mum keeps nagging me to tidy my room. tree →
• Stop nagging! I'll do it later. tree →
• I had a nagging headache all day. tree →
• A nagging cough should be checked by a doctor. tree →
• I had a nagging feeling I'd forgotten something. tree →
• His nagging made everyone cross. tree →

Note

Double g: nag, nagged, nagging. A "nag" can also be an old horse. Nagging is usually seen as annoying, but often the person nagging is right.