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

• 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

Making mini lava cakes is fussy, but this large format variation is as easy as can be. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 26 June 2025

Suggesting that young Kenyans were being fussy about the opportunities, many of which involve domestic work or manual labor, Ruto encouraged them to take advantage of the deals. —Martin K.n Siele, semafor.com, 20 June 2025

Crafted from moisture-wicking cotton and linen, with details like embroidery, scalloped edging, and ruffles, they’re polished without feeling fussy. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 20 June 2025

Flamboyant, fast-talking Southerner Georgia stands out among the fussy, provincial New England set. —Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 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