# fret

/ˈfɹɛt/ (US) · /fɹˈɛt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fret
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to worry or be unhappy about something. You use this when someone is thinking too much about a problem they cannot solve yet.

For teachers: to feel or express worry, annoyance, or discontent. Intransitive in most modern contexts, though occasionally used with 'about' or 'over'.

## Examples

- Don't fret about the small details.
- She began to fret when her daughter didn't call at the expected time.
- While it is natural to fret over the outcome of a major exam, excessive worrying often hinders the very focus required to succeed.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He frets the exam" but "He frets about the exam" — In the sense of worrying, the verb is intransitive and requires a preposition like 'about' or 'over' before the object.

## Usage notes

- The verb is usually intransitive and frequently pairs with the prepositions 'about' or 'over'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.