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Definition of finicky

finicky

/ˈfɪn.ɪ.ki/
fin · ick · y
Adverb:finickily
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finicky Lexical Profile

finicky Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Fussy about one's needs or requirements; excessively particular or hard to please.

Example

"The toddler was a finicky eater who refused to touch any green vegetables."

2

Requiring great care, precision, or patience to operate, handle, or maintain.

Example

"The antique espresso machine is quite finicky and only brews properly when the water pressure is exact."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

fingerspelling
fingertip
finickiness
finicky
finish
finishable
finished

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 19th century as a playful variant of the older adjective 'finical' (meaning overly fastidious), which itself likely derived from 'fine' in the sense of being excessively refined or delicate.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Finicky. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/finicky
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