adj

uptight

uhp-TYT

Uptight (adj) means Overly strict, anxious, or rigid about rules and behaviour; unable to relax. Example: “Don't be so uptight — it's just a joke.”

adj

Overly strict, anxious, or rigid about rules and behaviour; unable to relax.

"Don't be so uptight — it's just a joke."

"He got uptight whenever anyone was late to a meeting."

How to use uptight

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTense, easily annoyed, and overly rule-bound — the opposite of relaxed or laid-back.

When to use it

Informal; common in everyday speech about someone's personality or mood.

Common pairings

get uptight about something an uptight person wound up and uptight

Word forms

uptighter comparative, more uptight comparative, uptights plural, uptightest superlative, most uptight superlative

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Don't be so _____ — it's just a joke.

Frequently asked questions

What does “uptight” mean?

The word “uptight” means overly strict, anxious, or rigid about rules and behaviour; unable to relax. In plain terms, tense, easily annoyed, and overly rule-bound — the opposite of relaxed or laid-back.

How do you pronounce “uptight”?

“Uptight” is pronounced uhp-TYT (/ʌpˈtaɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “uptight” in a sentence?

Here is “uptight” used in a sentence: “Don't be so uptight — it's just a joke.”

What part of speech is “uptight”?

“Uptight” is an adjective.