A nagging feeling is an unpleasant emotion that can be caused by a variety of sources. It is often described as a sense of unease, worry, or dread. ANGST is a German word meaning fear, anxiety, or anguish. ITCH is an uncomfortable sensation that causes a person to want to scratch. YEN is a strong desire or longing for something. Together, these three words describe the feeling of a nagging feeling: fear, anxiety, and a strong desire for something.