fretful

adjective

fret·​ful ˈfret-fəl 

: disposed to fret : irritable, restless

fretfully

ˈfret-fə-lē 

adverb

fretfulness noun

Examples of fretful in a Sentence

He fell into a fretful sleep.

Recent Examples on the Web

The game, like most finals, was a fretful affair, played under a brain-altering gaze. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

The fretful electronic score is by Flying Lotus, Elliot Leung and Olivia Xiaolin. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

There’s a fine, touching performance, however, from Showko Showfukutei as Hana’s loving but fretful mother, desperately concerned for her daughter’s well-being but inclined to show love only through unrequired domestic service. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 28 Jan. 2026

The quintessential late-’80s teen, Ryder here plays a fretful mom. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 27 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fretful

• forgetful
• regretful

Kids Definition

fretful

adjective

fret·​ful ˈfret-fəl 

1

: inclined to worry

a fretful child

2

: not relaxing or restful

a fretful sleep

fretfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

fretfulness noun