Persnickety definition is quite elusive. It refers to someone who is vitally selective and fault-finding. A persnickety individual often pay strict attention to detail and has high standards when it comes to criteria and perfection. Their meticulousness can be seen as admirable, but it can also exacerbate unreasonable criticism and avoidable dissatisfaction. Being persnickety is regularly connected with detailed focus on specifics but can also be seen as a type of pedantry.