Search Dictionary
Definition of uptight

uptight

/ˌʌpˈtaɪt/
up · tight
JUMP TO:

uptight Lexical Profile

uptight Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Anxious, nervous, or easily agitated; unable to relax.

Example

"Try not to get so uptight about the upcoming presentation; you have prepared thoroughly."

2

Rigidly conventional, overly strict, or repressed in attitude and behavior.

Example

"The new manager was so uptight about minor dress code rules that morale in the office quickly dropped."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for uptight
Antonyms
View all antonyms for uptight

• Rhymes for uptight

• Nearby Words

uptempo
upthread
uptick
uptight
uptightness
uptime
uptown

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in 1930s African American Vernacular English, the term initially meant 'excellent' or 'ready' (as in being 'wrapped up tight') before shifting in the 1960s counterculture to mean 'anxious, tense, or rigidly conventional.'

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Uptight. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/uptight
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.