uptight

adjective

up·​tight ˈəp-ˈtīt How to pronounce uptight (audio)
(ˌ)əp-ˈtīt
1
a
: being tense, nervous, or uneasy
uptight overachievers
c
: rigidly conventional
an uptight conservative
2
: being in financial difficulties
uptightness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The chemistry between Ferrell’s uptight, by-the-books forensic accountant and Wahlberg’s aggressive, hot-headed detective drives the film’s best moments, with the latter’s exasperated reactions to the former’s bizarre behavior making the movie consistently entertaining—and, of course, hilarious. Travis Bean, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025 Jesse Eisenberg — who wrote, directed, and stars opposite Culkin — is the ostensible protagonist David, Benji’s uptight, socially awkward cousin who envies and pities him in equal measure, but A Real Pain is Culkin’s showcase. Rachel Handler, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2025 His workarounds are ingenious and very funny, and his biggest changes see a playful inversion of traditionally uptight Asian stereotypes. Damon Wise, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2025 Dreux and Alyssa have what looks like a familiar dynamic: Dreux the uptight one in search of control, Alyssa the loosey-goosey one urging her friend to worry less. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for uptight

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of uptight was in 1934

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Cite this Entry

“Uptight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uptight. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

uptight

adjective
up·​tight ˈəp-ˈtīt How to pronounce uptight (audio)
(ˌ)əp-ˈtīt,
ˌəp-ˌtīt
: being tense, nervous, or uneasy

More from Merriam-Webster on uptight

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