uptight

/ˈʌpˌtaɪt/

overly anxious or rigid

Don't get so uptight about the presentation; it's just a practice run.

The speaker is overly worried or tense about the upcoming presentation.

informal

Anxious, tense, or overly concerned about rules or expectations

She was too uptight about her appearance to enjoy the party.

She was overly worried about how she looked, preventing her from relaxing.

The manager's uptight attitude made the workplace stressful.

The manager's rigid or anxious demeanor created a tense environment.

Often implies a lack of flexibility or enjoyment due to excessive worry.

informal

Strict or rigid in following rules or conventions

The teacher was uptight about students using slang in essays.

The teacher enforced strict, traditional rules about language use.

Can describe someone overly concerned with propriety or correctness.

Collocations

uptight aboutoverly concerned or anxious aboutget uptightbecome anxious or tense

The word 'uptight' can sound judgmental or critical. Use it sparingly to avoid sounding harsh.

Use 'uptight' for people or situations where anxiety or rigidity is the main issue, not for general stress.

First recorded in the early 20th century; compound of 'up' (indicating intensification) + 'tight' (referring to being constrained or rigid).

Primarily informal; avoid using in formal contexts where 'anxious' or 'rigid' would be more appropriate.

intensifier

prefix

tight

constrained or rigid

root

English Dictionary