unstressed
adjective
un·stressed
ˌən-ˈstrest 
1
: not bearing a stress or accent
unstressed syllables
2
: not subjected to stress
unstressed wires
Examples of unstressed in a Sentence
The second syllable of the word “random” is unstressed.
Recent Examples on the Web
Its engine feels unstressed even under load, ideal for hauling families or towing.
—
Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
In this poem, Millay often places her strong beats after two unstressed syllables: da-da-DUM.
—A.o. Scott, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Pests and Problems Healthy, unstressed Japanese maples have few pest or disease problems.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2024
Rock under the stress of compression is more resistant to erosion than unstressed rock, so thereafter the unstressed section will erode more rapidly than before.
—Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2024
Similar materials are used for the unstressed body panels, including Kevlar in the wheel arches for protection from stones.
—Ray Hutton, Car and Driver, 18 Aug. 2023
Carlile is like a lot of organizationally competent great artists, in that way: possessing a mind for organization that would make most mortals’ brains short out, yet able to be utterly, single-mindedly present on stage, caught up unreservedly in the music the same way her unstressed audience is.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 14 June 2023
The cells are then removed allowing the substrate to return to its unstressed state.
—The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2021
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.
Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
In this poem, Millay often places her strong beats after two unstressed syllables: da-da-DUM.
—A.o. Scott, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Pests and Problems Healthy, unstressed Japanese maples have few pest or disease problems.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2024
Rock under the stress of compression is more resistant to erosion than unstressed rock, so thereafter the unstressed section will erode more rapidly than before.
—Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2024
Similar materials are used for the unstressed body panels, including Kevlar in the wheel arches for protection from stones.
—Ray Hutton, Car and Driver, 18 Aug. 2023
Carlile is like a lot of organizationally competent great artists, in that way: possessing a mind for organization that would make most mortals’ brains short out, yet able to be utterly, single-mindedly present on stage, caught up unreservedly in the music the same way her unstressed audience is.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 14 June 2023
The cells are then removed allowing the substrate to return to its unstressed state.
—The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Unstressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unstressed. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unstressed
adjective
un·stressed
ˌən-ˈstrest
ˈən-
1
: not bearing a stress or accent
unstressed syllables
2
: not stressed
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share