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

Unlike fussier bedding that needs special treatment, this quilt can go straight into the washing machine whenever life (or a late-night snack) happens. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2025

The ready-to-eat apple outpaced its fussier cousin long ago. —Benjamin Kemper, Saveur, 26 Nov. 2025

Day, whose prix fixe menus earned him a James Beard Award semifinalist nod in 2024, says neighbors welcomed his fine—but not fussy—culinary vision with open arms. —Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 22 Nov. 2025

Rooms are comfortable without being fussy. —Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 14 Nov. 2025

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