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
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.
Adding thousands of inexperienced agents, many hired quickly and trained under pressure, will likely increase complaint volumes while simultaneously reducing the agency’s capacity to address them. Karl W. Bickel, Baltimore Sun, 6 Jan. 2026 Hazardous materials on train cars can consist of solids, liquids, gases, and some materials may be under pressure, according to the Emergency Response Guidebook. Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 6 Jan. 2026 Somali community and child care providers under pressure The viral video and cascade of investigations have presented turmoil for the Somali community – already the target of years of vitriol from the president and from Republicans – and for child care providers. Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026 Studies on emotional regulation show that staying physiologically calm preserves decision quality under pressure. Shadé Zahrai, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for under pressure

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Cite this Entry

“Under pressure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/under%20pressure. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.

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