Lyle Lovett

The first time I toured with the 'Large Band' in 1988, I got so tired. If I just stood still anywhere, I could go to sleep. I was that tired. But I had to perform. And I did, and after that tour, I was much less fretful about going out onstage.

American Musician

Peter York

People are fretful about lifestyle retailing because the idea that anyone's immortal soul and deepest longings can be quite so readily anticipated and consolidated with several hundred thousand other like-minded types is worrying.

British Journalist

Use 'fretful' when someone's mood is negatively affected by discomfort.

Negative Emotion

'Fretful' often suggests a less intense, but noticeable, level of irritation or unease.

Mild Irritation

'Fretful' describes a temporary state, not necessarily a person's overall character.

Temporary State

'Fretful' implies complaints about small or insignificant issues.

Minor Annoyances

'Fretful' is appropriate in informal contexts or describing personal reactions.

Context of Usage

Do not overuse 'fretful'; it should be reserved for when someone is noticeably upset over minor matters.

Avoid Overusing

 could never die, so long as they were eating from the tree of life. But the minute they began nibbling from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they fell from their innocence. They grew embarrassed and fretful, self-conscious.

The Beauty of What We'll...

 ready to begin on our way down the great unknown our our boats tied to a common stake chafe each other as they are tossed by the fretful river they ride