Fretful: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who is irritable and restless, often showing signs of discomfort or frustration. It is commonly applied to babies or young children.

• The baby was fretful and wouldn't stop crying.
• She spent a fretful night worrying about the exam results.

Refers to an intense and often prolonged feeling of worry or unease about a future event or an uncertain outcome. It can be related to general anxiety or specific concerns.

• He felt anxious before his job interview.
• She was anxious about her upcoming surgery.

Denotes a feeling of unease or concern about something that is happening or might happen. It can be used for general day-to-day concerns or specific issues.

• He's worried about his mother's health.
• She was worried that she might miss the flight.

Describes a state of feeling apprehensive or uneasy, often in response to a particular situation or event. It usually involves short-term worry or fear.

• He was nervous about his first day of school.
• She gets nervous when speaking in public.

This word is often used to describe someone who is anxious or worried about something, often in a way that is visible to others.

• The baby became fretful during the long car ride.
• She was fretful about her upcoming exams.

This word is often used for someone who is easily annoyed or angered, particularly when they are already in a stressed or uncomfortable state.

• The heat made everyone irritable.
• She becomes irritable when she’s under a lot of pressure.

This term is used when someone is visibly restless or nervous, often because they are upset or excited about something.

• He was visibly agitated during the meeting.
• The news about the accident left her agitated.

Usually describes someone who is easily annoyed or in a bad mood, often used informally or in a lighter, somewhat negative sense.

• He's always cranky before his morning coffee.
• The child became cranky after missing his nap.