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 niceties : fastidious, picky

fussily

ˈfə-sə-lē 

adverb

fussiness

ˈfə-sē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• crabby
• cranky
• grouchy
• grumpy
• querulous

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

Their elevated, but not fussy take on Southern food is truly exceptional. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 14 June 2025

The compressive fabric and neckline work together to enhance smaller busts, while the stretchy material allows for all-day wear without feeling fussy or poking at the skin. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 6 June 2025

Maybe that’s why his pictures never feel fussy or over-serious. —Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 June 2025

Inspiron 14 is for people who want their laptop to be flexible but not fussy. —Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 May 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