stressful

adjective

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

Example Sentences

I had a stressful day at work today.
Recent Examples on the Web There have already been multiple documentaries about the mounting panic during COVID-19’s first few months, but this one is less about big-picture fears than about the little inconveniences that made life so stressful. Noel Murray, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2023 Plus, the pods are easy to use and mess-free, making laundry day a little less stressful. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 18 Apr. 2023 Spending too much time virtually socializing can also make real-life interactions more stressful. Amanda Macmillan, Health, 15 Apr. 2023 While getting married is an exciting milestone for any couple, preparing for the event can be a little stressful. Amanda Prahl, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2023 More than just a simple digital thermometer, this wired probe can make cooking less stressful. Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2023 Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate PORTLAND — The Golden State Warriors’ final regular-season game could have been stressful. C.j. Holmes, San Francisco Chronicle, 9 Apr. 2023 Perfectionism is just a layer of anxiety telling you things are really high stakes and stressful. Kara Baskin, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Apr. 2023 But the gritty Demas Tavern could get stressful. oregonlive, 23 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stressful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stressful was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near stressful

Cite this Entry

“Stressful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stressful. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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