fractious

[ frak-shuhs ]

adjective

1. refractory or unruly:

   a fractious animal that would not submit to the harness.

   Synonyms: difficult, stubborn

2. readily angered; peevish; irritable; quarrelsome:

   an incorrigibly fractious young man.

   Synonyms: touchy, waspish, pettish, snappish, petulant, captious, testy

fractious

/ ˈfrækʃəs /

adjective

1. irritable
2. unruly

Usage

Fractious is sometimes wrongly used where factious is meant: this factious (not fractious ) dispute has split the party still further

Derived Forms

• ˈfractiousness, noun
• ˈfractiously, adverb

Other Words From

• fractious·ly adverb
• fractious·ness noun
• un·fractious adjective
• un·fractious·ly adverb
• un·fractious·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fractious¹

First recorded in 1715–25; fracti(on) + -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of fractious¹

C18: from (obsolete) fraction discord + -ous

Example Sentences

A similar calculation holds for Ethiopia and its fractious relations with an Egypt-led coalition that includes Eritrea and Somalia.

From BBC

Since then, the musicians have endured a fractious relationship, occasionally coming together for the rare reunion shows over the years.

From Los Angeles Times

The deal followed decades of often fractious negotiations between the UK and Mauritius over sovereignty of the archipelago, but has faced a backlash from several senior Conservative MPs.

From BBC

The party is described by sources as “fractious”, and “deeply sceptical”.

From BBC

During the early stages of the leadership election several Conservative MPs told the BBC they were inclined to support Badenoch but were put off by fractious interactions while she was in government.

From BBC

Related Words

• irritable
• recalcitrant
• restive
• testy
• unmanageable
• unruly