What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fussy
Example
She's always so fussy about the way her clothes are folded. [fussy: adjective]
Example
The baby was being fussy and wouldn't stop crying. [fussy: adjective]
Example
The recipe was quite fussy, requiring many specific ingredients and steps. [fussy: adjective]
demanding
Example
My boss is very demanding and always expects me to work overtime. [demanding: adjective]
Example
The project was very demanding and required a lot of research and analysis. [demanding: adjective]
Example
Taking care of a sick family member can be emotionally and physically demanding. [demanding: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Demanding is more commonly used than fussy in everyday language. Demanding is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while fussy is less common and often used in specific situations where attention to detail is required.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fussy and demanding?
Both fussy and demanding can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but demanding is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.