fussy

1 of 2

adjective

ˈfə-sē 

fussier; fussiest

1

: easily upset : irritable

2

: overly decorative

a fussy wallpaper pattern

3

a

: requiring or giving close attention to details

fussy bookkeeping procedures

b

: revealing a sometimes extreme concern for details : fastidious, picky

a fussy man who was hard to please

fussily

ˈfə-sə-lē 

adverb

fussiness

ˈfə-sē-nəs 

noun

fussiness

2 of 2

noun

fuss·​i·​ness -sēnə̇s 

-sin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being fussy

Synonyms of fussy

Adjective

• restless
• irritable
• nervous
• grumpy
• displeased
• grouchy
• querulous
• crabby
• cranky
• dissatisfied

Examples of fussy in a Sentence

Adjective

I'm not fussy about where we eat.

The room was cluttered and fussy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

An updo can definitely be formal without looking fussy, and this is a masterclass in hitting exactly the notes. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 15 Sep. 2026

The soft fabric and wide-leg shape feel current without being fussy, while the elastic waistband is exactly what a long day calls for. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 13 Sep. 2026

Baby is fussy, so back to Mom to eat as suitor Robert Pattinson tries his shot at Anne Hathaway. — Zachary Pincus-Roth, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

It’s designed to flatter various body types without feeling tight or fussy. — Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Rhymes for fussy

• bussy
• disci
• hussy
• prosy

Kids Definition

fussy

adjective

ˈfəs-ē 

fussier; fussiest

1

: inclined to complain or whine

a fussy child

2

a

: needing or giving much attention to details

a fussy job

b

: hard to please

fussy about food

fussily

ˈfəs-ə-lē 

adverb

fussiness

ˈfəs-ē-nəs 

noun