under pressure
idiom
1
: tightly pressed into a container
The contents of the bottle are under pressure.
2
: in a state of stress or anxiety because of having too much to do
They both work well under pressure.
3
: being made to feel forced to do something (as by arguments, threats, etc.)
The mayor is under pressure to resign.
Examples of under pressure in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Those defeats on the road have had much in common with slow starts giving the hosts the initiative, followed by the sight of Slot’s side wilting under pressure while offering little as an attacking force.
—
James Pearce, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Prasad resigned, under pressure, the following week.
—Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
As such, Herbert figures to be under pressure a lot against the Steelers, especially with star tackle Joe Alt now out for the season because of an ankle injury.
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
To check for ripeness, start by squeezing the fruit—ripe mangos should give slightly under pressure without feeling overly soft or mushy.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for under pressure
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James Pearce, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Prasad resigned, under pressure, the following week.
—Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
As such, Herbert figures to be under pressure a lot against the Steelers, especially with star tackle Joe Alt now out for the season because of an ankle injury.
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
To check for ripeness, start by squeezing the fruit—ripe mangos should give slightly under pressure without feeling overly soft or mushy.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for under pressure
Cite this Entry
“Under pressure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/under%20pressure. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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