stressful

adjective

stress·​ful ˈstres-fəl 

: full of or tending to induce stress

stressfully

ˈstres-fə-lē 

adverb

Examples of stressful in a Sentence

I had a stressful day at work today.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is not easy for Robin (Griffin), who, judging by his nervously twitching legs and tendency to info-dump on interlocutors, finds ordinary interactions very stressful. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026

This year’s jacket trends offer plenty of variety, from minimalist to sporty, making getting dressed in the morning a little less stressful. — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 14 Sep. 2026

It's estimated that 400,000 people were exposed to toxic dust, smoke and debris; risk of physical injury; and physically and emotionally stressful conditions from 9/11 and the aftermath, according to the World Trade Center Health Program. — ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026

More than 400,000 people were exposed to toxic contaminants, physical-injury risks and stressful conditions in the days, weeks and months following the attacks, according to the World Trade Center Health Program. — Angelica Stabile , Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stressful

• distressful
• successful
• unsuccessful

Kids Definition

stressful

adjective

stress·​ful ˈstres-fəl 

: full of or tending to cause stress

stressfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

stressful

adjective

stress·​ful ˈstres-fəl 

: full of or subject to stress

stressful situations

stressfully

-fə-lē 

adverb