English Reference

Phrasal verb

loosen up

Definition

phrasal verb. to become more relaxed and less formal or nervous. You use this when you want someone to stop being so serious.

phrasal verb. to become less tense, rigid, or formal in manner or attitude. Often used intransitively to describe a person's emotional or physical state.

Examples

“He needs to loosen up and enjoy the party.”

“After a few minutes of small talk, the interviewer started to loosen up and share some personal stories.”

“The rigid corporate culture began to loosen up as the new CEO introduced flexible working hours and a more collaborative approach to decision-making.”

Examples

simple

“He needs to loosen up and enjoy the party.”

contextual

“After a few minutes of small talk, the interviewer started to loosen up and share some personal stories.”

complex

“The rigid corporate culture began to loosen up as the new CEO introduced flexible working hours and a more collaborative approach to decision-making.”

Usage

Commonly used as an imperative to encourage someone to relax in social situations.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'relax'; 'loosen up' specifically implies a transition from a state of stiffness or formality to one of ease.

Pitfall

You need to loose up.

You need to loosen up.

Learners often confuse the adjective 'loose' with the verb 'loosen'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

loosen + up

Synonyms

relaxunwindchill outlighten up

Antonyms

tense upstiffen

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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