fretful

American  

[fret-fuhl] / ˈfrɛt fəl /

Also fretsome

adjective

1. disposed or quick to fret; irritable or peevish.

   Synonyms:

   testy, impatient, querulous, petulant

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fretful British  

/ ˈfrɛtfʊl /

adjective

1. peevish, irritable, or upset

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Other Word Forms

• fretfully adverb
• fretfulness noun
• unfretful adjective
• unfretfully adverb

Etymology

Origin of fretful

First recorded in 1585–95; fret ¹ + -ful

Example Sentences

In this exquisitely staged show, directed by Tony winner Michael Arden, Platt recaps the story of his life with an ironic touch while singing songs that mark his fretful, meteoric journey.

From Los Angeles Times

Oliver is used to hospitals, but is fretful, and wriggles as the research nurse slowly injects the treatment, about a cup full, into a catheter in his chest.

From BBC

He was a fretful perfectionist who would endlessly rehearse; Anne was naturally funny; she flowed.

From Los Angeles Times

In a twitch, a head tilt or a whine, Indy communicates his emotions: curious, lonely, contented, confused, fretful, desperate or petrified.

From Los Angeles Times

But there is no doubting this is a fretful moment, adversaries and conflicts around the world, deep seated problems at home.

From BBC