1. the quality of being fixed, fastened, or closed firmly: "the tightness of the seal was tested"
▪ the quality of being close-fitting: "he managed to make himself comfortable on the chair despite the tightness of his trousers"
2. the state of being stretched: "you can vary the tightness of the knitting"
▪ a painful and constricted feeling in part of the body as a result of anxiety or illness: "he had an X-ray after complaining of tightness in his chest"
▪ (of a person's muscles or skin) the quality of being firm or taut: "she felt the tightness of his bicep"
▪ the quality of being well structured or disciplined: "the tightness of the argument"
3. the state of having or allowing little room for maneuver: "the tightness of the space"
▪ the state of changing direction sharply: "the tightness of the bends"
▪ the state of being limited or restricted: "we remain concerned about the tightness of resources"
4. the state of having a close relationship: "he speaks with greater impact because of his tightness with Washington"
5. the quality of having only a small margin between winner and loser:"the tightness of the game was very evident"
