Persnickety definition is fairly hard to grasp. It refers to someone who is immensely particular and judgmental. A persnickety individual tends to be fastidious and sets the bar high when it comes to standards and excellence. Their meticulousness can be perceived as commendable, but it can also magnify overly demanding criticism and superfluous dissatisfaction. Being persnickety is commonly associated with detailed focus on specifics but can also be seen as a manifestation of obsessiveness.