eustress

noun

eu·​stress ˈyü-ˌstres How to pronounce eustress (audio)
: a positive form of stress having a beneficial effect on health, motivation, performance, and emotional well-being
… during positive stress ("eustress"), such as a promotion or vacation, feel-good chemicals called endorphins are released.Tracy Boyd

Examples of eustress in a Sentence

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.
Unlike chronic distress, eustress enhances performance and resilience. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 Positive stress, or eustress, can be exciting and motivating. Cheri Rainey, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 Nervously excited is eustress. The Enquirer, 29 Dec. 2022

Word History

Etymology

eu- + stress entry 1

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eustress was in 1968

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Eustress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eustress. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

eustress

noun
eu·​stress ˈyü-ˌstres How to pronounce eustress (audio)
: a positive form of stress having a beneficial effect on health, motivation, performance, and emotional well-being
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