Word
uptight
Phoneticsup·tight, stress on the second syllable
US/əpˈtaɪt/
UK/ʌptˈaɪt/
Definition
adj. feeling nervous, worried, or very strict about rules. You use this to describe someone who is too serious or has too much stress.
adj. characterised by excessive nervousness, anxiety, or a strict adherence to social conventions. Often used to describe a person's emotional state or a specific personality trait.
Examples
“He is always so uptight about his appearance.”
“The manager was so uptight about the new safety rules that he made everyone feel uncomfortable.”
“Her uptight nature made it difficult for her to relax during the weekend, as she constantly checked her phone for work emails.”
Examples
simple
“He is always so uptight about his appearance.”
contextual
“The manager was so uptight about the new safety rules that he made everyone feel uncomfortable.”
complex
“Her uptight nature made it difficult for her to relax during the weekend, as she constantly checked her phone for work emails.”
Real-World Examples
“Her uptight mom is played by Amy Adams and the grumpy housekeeper Melania – whose appearance is the nearest the film comes to comedy – is played by Rachel House.” Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/uptight