1 B2 idiomatic informal
To waste time doing nothing useful; to engage in aimless, unproductive activity.
"Stop futzing around and help me figure out what's wrong with this code."
inseparable
futz around
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
American informal expression meaning to waste time, tinker aimlessly, or engage in unproductive activity.
In plain English
To waste time doing nothing important, or to fiddle around without a clear goal.
What does "futz around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To tinker or fiddle aimlessly with things, especially without a clear purpose or plan.
"He spent the whole Saturday futzing around in his workshop without finishing anything."
inseparable
Usage tip
Distinctly American; rarely heard outside the US. 'Futz' likely derives from Yiddish. Informal but not vulgar — usable in most casual settings. Implies idle, unproductive behaviour but without the negative moral judgment of 'fuck around'.
Words that pair with "futz around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
all day stop instead of in the garage online all afternoon
How to conjugate "futz around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
futz around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
futzes around
he/she/it
Past simple
futzed around
yesterday
Past participle
futzed around
have + pp
-ing form
futzing around
continuous
Hear "futz around" in the wild
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Other ways to say "futz around"
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