stressed

adjective

ˈstrest 

: subjected to or affected by stress

The feeling that one must show up for work even if one is too sick, stressed [=stressed-out], or distracted to be productive.

—Paul McFedries

As important as training is to distance running, the time devoted to repair stressed muscles between races is even more crucial.

—Joseph Hall

That translates into a drought, and stressed trees are highly susceptible to beetle infestations.

—Jim Robbins

… the soundscape inside these vehicles, punctuated by mechanical rattles and the groans of stressed metal …

—Chris Knight

Synonyms

• tired
• exhausted
• nervous
• on the rack

Examples of stressed in a Sentence

He was feeling pretty stressed about the deadline.

you seem really stressed right now, so maybe you should try to do something more relaxing

Recent Examples on the Web

The toolkit combines software and hardware to strategically reinforce only the most stressed areas of a design with stronger filament while keeping the rest of the part eco-friendly. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025

This serum is quite silky, sinking into skin without weight or greasiness—perfect for skin nourishment before a big day or calming stressed complexions after a long evening. —Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025

Without data on water withdrawals and exposure to stressed regions, investors cannot assess risk. —Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Shelter environments are risky — kittens can easily catch diseases, and mothers may become too stressed to care for them. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing stressed

• stressed been
• stressed BIN
• stressed-out

Rhymes for stressed

• abreast
• accessed
• addressed
• appressed
• armrest
• arrest
• assessed
• attest
• backrest
• behest
• bequest
• caressed