Words / B1

FUS/fʌs/

A fuss is unnecessary excitement or complaint: make a fuss; a fuss about nothing; fuss over. Bother is everyday; commotion is louder. Uncountable in too much fuss. Do not call a legal strike a fuss in a neutral report. Fuss-free is advertising English.

Meaning

Unnecessary excitement, worry, or complaint about something small.

Examples

• “There was a fuss about the new lanyards, not about pay.”
• “She asked them not to make a fuss on her last day.”

Good to know

make a fuss; a fuss about; fuss over. Uncountable: too much fuss. Everyday: bother. Neutral report: avoid fuss for serious disputes.

Near in meaning

bother

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