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

According to a Gallup study, 68% of Gen Z and young Millennials reported feeling stressed. —Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Regular activity can also release mood-improving endorphins in the body and lead to weight loss, which can lighten the load on stressed joints. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 20 June 2025

Turning Yellow? Pest Infestations A stressed, dehydrated plant is more likely to be attacked by pests. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 17 June 2025

Additionally, 82 percent of users felt less stressed, and 71 percent reported lower anxiety levels. —Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 28 May 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