fiddly
gb/fˈɪdli/ us/fˈɪdli/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
informal
B2
property
1
hard due to small parts
Hard because you must be very careful with small parts.
Usage pattern:
[task/device/part] is fiddly; fiddly to [do]
Common mistake:
Often confused with the verb "fiddle" (to play with something); "fiddly" describes a task or object, not the action.
Synonyms
tricky (More general; not necessarily about small parts.)
|
delicate (Emphasizes easy to damage rather than awkwardness.)
|
intricate (Emphasizes complexity and fine detail.)
Antonyms
straightforward (Easy to do without careful precision.)
|
simple (Not complex or detailed.)
Collocations
fiddly job
|fiddly work
|fiddly task
|fiddly process
|fiddly controls
|fiddly buttons
|fiddly little screws
|fiddly to assemble
|fiddly to use
|fiddly to fit
Themes
daily_life
|tools
|work
|technology
Examples
- The clasp is fiddly, especially if you’re wearing gloves.
- It’s a fiddly job tightening those tiny screws without dropping them.
- The app works well, but the settings menu is a bit fiddly to navigate.
Learner examples
- The instructions are easy, but the last step is fiddly.
- This camera is fiddly to use.
adjective
informal
B2
property
2
annoyingly complicated and detailed
Complicated in a way that feels annoying.
Usage pattern:
a fiddly [procedure/rule/bit of paperwork]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse it for any difficulty; it typically suggests lots of small details/steps rather than one big challenge.
Synonyms
fussy (Often about rules/requirements being overly particular.)
|
overcomplicated (More direct; less about small details.)
|
awkward (More general; may not imply lots of details.)
Antonyms
easy (Not difficult or annoying to deal with.)
|
streamlined (Designed to be simple and efficient.)
Collocations
fiddly paperwork
|fiddly procedure
|fiddly rules
|fiddly details
|fiddly regulations
|fiddly form
|fiddly setup
|fiddly process
|fiddly requirements
|fiddly changes
Themes
daily_life
|work
|emotions
Examples
- The booking system is fiddly and makes you enter the same information twice.
- Getting the refund was fiddly, with loads of small requirements.
- It’s a great recipe, but the decoration is a bit fiddly.
Learner examples
- The online form is fiddly.
- The rules are fiddly to follow.
adjective
informal
C1
property
3
fussy about small details
Too picky about small details.
Usage pattern:
a fiddly [person/customer/eater]
Common mistake:
This sense is less common than the task/object senses; "picky" or "fussy" is usually more natural.
Synonyms
finicky (More common for people being hard to please.)
|
picky (More everyday and common, especially about food/choices.)
Antonyms
easy-going (Not demanding about details.)
|
undemanding (Easy to satisfy.)
Collocations
a fiddly customer
|a fiddly eater
|a fiddly person
|fiddly about details
Themes
people
|emotions
Examples
- He can be a bit fiddly about how the files are named.
- Some clients are fiddly and want every tiny change approved.
Learner examples
- My boss is fiddly about small mistakes.
Grammar
Dictionary form
fiddly
IPA
GB/fˈɪdli/
US/fˈɪdli/
Syllables & stress
fiddly (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (fiddly)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: fiddly
- Comparative: fiddlier
- Superlative: fiddliest
Word family
Expressions
a bit fiddly
1/ə bˈɪt fˈɪdli/
fixed phrase
informal
somewhat difficult and awkward
A little difficult because of small details.
Examples
- The lid is a bit fiddly to open at first.
- It’s a bit fiddly, but you get used to it after a few tries.
- This part is a bit fiddly, so take your time.
fiddly bits
1/fˈɪdli bˈɪts/
fixed phrase
informal
small awkward parts
Small parts that are hard to handle.
Examples
- I’ve done the main assembly—now I just need to attach the fiddly bits.
- Keep the fiddly bits in a tray so you don’t lose them.
- The fiddly bits are easier if you use tweezers.