FUSSY (fussier, fussiest)

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

Irregular inflected forms: fussier    , fussiest   

 Dictionary entry overview: What does fussy mean? 

• FUSSY (adjective)
  The adjective FUSSY has 3 senses:

1. annoyed and irritable

2. overcrowded or cluttered with detail

3. exacting especially about details

  Familiarity information: FUSSY used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• FUSSY (adjective)

Comparative: fussier   
Superlative: fussiest   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Annoyed and irritable

Synonyms:

bad-tempered; crabbed; crabby; cross; fussy; grouchy; grumpy; ill-tempered

Similar:

ill-natured (having an irritable and unpleasant disposition)

Derivation:

fussiness (an irritable petulant feeling)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Overcrowded or cluttered with detail

Synonyms:

busy; fussy

Context example:

a fussy design

Similar:

fancy (not plain; decorative or ornamented)

Derivation:

fussiness (unnecessary elaborateness in details)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Exacting especially about details

Synonyms:

finical; finicky; fussy; particular; picky

Context example:

very particular about how her food was prepared

Similar:

fastidious (giving careful attention to detail; hard to please; excessively concerned with cleanliness)

Derivation:

fuss (a quarrel about petty points)

fussiness (unnecessary elaborateness in details)

 Context examples 

He is very accurate, and particular about the truth—a good trait, though you call him 'fussy'.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Now Florence's mama hadn't a particle of taste, and Amy suffered deeply at having to wear a red instead of a blue bonnet, unbecoming gowns, and fussy aprons that did not fit.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

You don't have half such a hard time as I do, said Jo. How would you like to be shut up for hours with a nervous, fussy old lady, who keeps you trotting, is never satisfied, and worries you till you're ready to fly out the window or cry?

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)