adjective

fastidious

/fæˈstɪdɪəs/ · say it: fuh·STID·ee·uhs

very attentive to detail; hard to please

In Sophisticated Everyday

In more detail

1. (adjective) very difficult to please; having very high standards about what is acceptable

2. (adjective) paying careful attention to detail and cleanliness

Examples

1. He is a fastidious eater who refuses most foods.
2. She is fastidious about keeping her apartment spotless.

How to use fastidious

Fastidious describes someone with very high standards or demanding preferences, often regarding cleanliness, order, or quality. It carries a slightly formal or critical tone and can imply either admirable meticulousness or exasperating pickiness depending on context. It is less commonly used in casual speech than synonyms like picky or fussy.

Common phrases

fastidious about cleanliness
fastidious tastes
fastidious eater
fastidious attention to detail
too fastidious

Synonyms

particular · meticulous · finicky · exacting · choosy

Opposites

undemanding · careless · easygoing

Word family

fastidiously (adverb) · fastidiousness (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse fastidious with industrious; fastidious means having high standards, not being hardworking or productive.

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