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
1
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- uptights
- Comparative
- uptighter, more uptight
- Superlative
- uptightest, most uptight
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Don't be so _____ — it's just a joke.
Related words
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.
