uptight

adjective

up·​tight ˈəp-ˈtīt 

(ˌ)əp-ˈtīt

1

a

: being tense, nervous, or uneasy

uptight overachievers

b

: angry, indignant

getting uptight over little things

c

: rigidly conventional

an uptight conservative

2

: being in financial difficulties

uptightness

(ˌ)əp-ˈtīt-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of uptight

• worried
• nervous
• upset
• anxious
• uneasy
• troubled

Examples of uptight in a Sentence

If our flight is delayed, there's nothing we can do. There's no reason to get so uptight about it.

I don't know why people are so uptight about sex.

Recent Examples on the Web

Mamie is a notable and unique character in The Gilded Age and history, remembered as a rule-breaker who kept the uptight society ladies on their toes. — Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026

With its orange boxes and quirky prints, Hermès could be seen as whimsical, but it was usually associated with uptight parents and grandparents. — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 19 Oct. 2026

Most impressive is its capacity to achieve the perfect balance between design and sophistication, without being uptight or boring. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026

While uptight Elinor excels at hiding her feelings for the similarly taciturn Edward, Marianne goes wild (nearly feral, really) when new neighbor Willoughby saves her from physical injury (literally sweeping her off her feet and a wincing ankle). — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for uptight

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

uptight

adjective

up·​tight ˈəp-ˈtīt 

(ˌ)əp-ˈtīt, 

ˌəp-ˌtīt

: being tense, nervous, or uneasy