Fractious

Fractious describes someone or something that is easily angered, irritable, unruly, and likely to cause trouble or unrest. It suggests a tendency toward disobedience, stubbornness, and a general lack of cooperation. This word often applies to children, animals, or even groups of people who are difficult to manage or control. The underlying implication is a frustrating or challenging nature, requiring patience and skillful handling to mitigate the problematic behavior. The root word likely stems from 'fract', which means to break.

Fractious meaning with examples

• The fractious toddler refused to eat his vegetables, throwing his plate on the floor and screaming until he got his way. His parents sighed, knowing another battle had begun for the evening.
• The fractious crowd outside the stadium became increasingly agitated after the game was canceled, leading to a tense situation and the eventual arrival of the police.
• Despite the trainer's best efforts, the fractious horse was proving difficult to tame, constantly kicking and biting whenever anyone tried to approach it.
• The fractious members of the committee could not agree on a solution, leading to endless delays and ultimately halting the project's progress.
• The fractious economic climate made investors wary, leading to volatility in the market as people were hesitant to take any risks.