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
There’s also plenty of political intrigue, controversy, figures under pressure and the possibility for history to be made on and off the pitch.
—
Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
On top of that, power grids are under pressure like never before.
—Dan Lambe, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Scottie Scheffler is known for his calm demeanor, laser focus, and a game that rarely flinches under pressure.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
The Atlantic Council’s Fleck shared a similar view, saying Merz is under pressure to stand his ground in instances where EU issues like fiscal plans could impact German domestic politics or become a risk to his agenda at home.
—Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for under pressure
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.
Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
On top of that, power grids are under pressure like never before.
—Dan Lambe, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Scottie Scheffler is known for his calm demeanor, laser focus, and a game that rarely flinches under pressure.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
The Atlantic Council’s Fleck shared a similar view, saying Merz is under pressure to stand his ground in instances where EU issues like fiscal plans could impact German domestic politics or become a risk to his agenda at home.
—Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 15 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share