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.”

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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

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

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

Test yourself on “uptight” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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Can you complete this real example?

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.