fussy

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

Synonyms of fussy

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

Examples of fussy in a Sentence

I'm not fussy about where we eat.

The room was cluttered and fussy.

Recent Examples on the Web

The rooms The 132 rooms (including nine suites and a presidential suite) feel airy, soothing, and upscale without veering fussy. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Mar. 2026

Relatively disease and pest-free, gladiolus aren't fussy about soil and, once established, are moderately drought-tolerant. —Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 27 Feb. 2026

The Serving Spoon has been passed down several generations and serves up soul food fare at a non-fussy spot in Los Angeles County. —Paris Barraza, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026

Calm, content and rarely fussy, Emilia draws people in with love, laughter and adorable dance moves. —Sydney Cisco, Variety, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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