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

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

With their heavy eyebrows and square jaws, they look like a fretful phalanx of Martin Scorseses reluctantly conceding that the movie is pretty fun.

From Los Angeles Times