stressful

adjective

stress·​ful ˈstres-fəl How to pronounce stressful (audio)
: full of or tending to induce stress
stressfully adverb

Examples of stressful in a Sentence

I had a stressful day at work today.
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.
An award-winning toy creator and a doctor have teamed up to launch a new company that manufactures products designed to make health care less scary for little kids, and less stressful for parents. Joan Verdon, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 Her days weren’t always this stressful, but since Charles (played by Orion Lee in flashbacks) died, Irene has had to manage the print shop and monitor Joe’s medication intake all on her own. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025 Unlike the intricate process of wedding planning, an engagement party should be a notably less stressful experience. Boutayna Chokrane, Vogue, 4 June 2025 Moving across the country can be stressful, especially when bringing pets along with you. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for stressful

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stressful was in 1846

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stressful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stressful. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

stressful

adjective
stress·​ful ˈstres-fəl How to pronounce stressful (audio)
: full of or tending to cause stress
stressfully adverb

Medical Definition

stressful

adjective
stress·​ful ˈstres-fəl How to pronounce stressful (audio)
: full of or subject to stress
stressful situations
stressfully adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on stressful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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