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

Gus and Marty’s is exactly what this corner of Brooklyn needed—elevated yet un-fussy, an essence of real warmth, and genuinely great food. —Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026

For others, gloves feel unnecessary, awkward, or even a little fussy. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026

Experts told Fox News Digital the shift is a response to years of fussy food culture and constant trend-chasing. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 23 Jan. 2026

The East Village setting is intimate without being fussy; reclaimed doors overhead and warm lighting create a dining room that locals use for celebrations and midweek splurges alike. —Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 16 Jan. 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