fussy

1 of 2

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

fussiness

2 of 2

noun

fuss·​i·​ness -sēnə̇s 

-sin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being fussy

Synonyms of fussy

Adjective

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

Examples of fussy in a Sentence

Adjective

I'm not fussy about where we eat.

The room was cluttered and fussy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The strappy design feels polished without being fussy, and the black-and-white colorway offers a refreshing alternative to the usual neutrals while remaining surprisingly versatile. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026

Frances Bavier was one of the show’s anchors as the warm, ever-so-slightly fussy Aunt Bee. —Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026

Hardy geraniums are not fussy about soil type. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 4 June 2026

The service The service at Il Sereno is not extra fussy, but it is considered and thoughtful. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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