stressful

adjective

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

Examples of stressful in a Sentence

I had a stressful day at work today.
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.
But some airports are more stressful than others. Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025 Two-thirds said their roles are more stressful than five years ago, and 63% named the complexity of today’s landscape as the top stressor. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025 The whole process is stressful, and that’s coming from someone with (minimal) inside access to release schedules and studio reps. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 26 Sep. 2025 Other common factors found to contribute to Gen Z’s experiences with anxiety include living through the pandemic as children and frequent exposure to stressful domestic and international news (via social media). Ashleigh N. Deluca, Parents, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stressful

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stressful was in 1846

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stressful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stressful. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on stressful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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