Word
picky
US/ˈpɪki/
UK/pˈɪki/
Definition
adj. very careful about what you choose and only liking specific things. You use this when someone is hard to please because they have high standards.
adj. extremely selective or fastidious; difficult to please due to exacting standards. Often carries a slightly critical or negative connotation.
Examples
“My cat is very picky about what brand of food she eats.”
“The hiring manager is notoriously picky, often rejecting dozens of qualified candidates for minor resume errors.”
“While some critics are accused of being overly picky about technical flaws, others argue that maintaining such high standards is essential for the integrity of the industry.”
Examples
simple
“My cat is very picky about what brand of food she eats.”
contextual
“The hiring manager is notoriously picky, often rejecting dozens of qualified candidates for minor resume errors.”
complex
“While some critics are accused of being overly picky about technical flaws, others argue that maintaining such high standards is essential for the integrity of the industry.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'about' when specifying the object of the selectivity.
Pitfall
He is very picky for his clothes
He is very picky about his clothes
The adjective 'picky' collocations with 'about' rather than 'for' when describing the area of concern.
Real-World Examples
“If you’ve ever had to prepare a meal for a picky eater, you know it’s not easy.” Etymology
From pick + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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