fretful

[ fret-fuhl ]
See synonyms for fretful on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. disposed or quick to fret; irritable or peevish.

Origin of fretful

1
First recorded in 1585–95; fret1 + -ful
  • Also fret·some [fret-suhm]. /ˈfrɛt səm/.

Other words for fretful

Other words from fretful

  • fret·ful·ly, adverb
  • fret·ful·ness, noun
  • un·fret·ful, adjective
  • un·fret·ful·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use fretful in a sentence

  • These may be but the childish fretfulnesses engendered of fatigue, and that a good night's rest will sweep away.

    Doctor Cupid | Rhoda Broughton

British Dictionary definitions for fretful

fretful

/ (ˈfrɛtfʊl) /


adjective
  1. peevish, irritable, or upset

Derived forms of fretful

  • fretfully, adverb
  • fretfulness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012