stressful

adjective

stress·​ful ˈstres-fəl 

: full of or tending to induce stress

stressfully

ˈstres-fə-lē 

adverb

Examples of stressful in a Sentence

I had a stressful day at work today.

Recent Examples on the Web

Leaving stressful jobs or ones that are more physically demanding may be more favorable. — Richard Sima, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026

In reality, 19 was a stressful and lonely time, spent mostly in the libraries of my frigid college town or fighting with my boyfriend in the dining hall. — Vrinda Jagota, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026

Departing from Dallas In Porter’s view, departing is the most stressful part of air travel. — Lauren Harano, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

Connecting and routing the ribbon cable extension was the most stressful part of the assembly. — ArsTechnica, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stressful

• distressful
• successful
• unsuccessful

Kids Definition

stressful

adjective

stress·​ful ˈstres-fəl 

: full of or tending to cause stress

stressfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

stressful

adjective

stress·​ful ˈstres-fəl 

: full of or subject to stress

stressful situations

stressfully

-fə-lē 

adverb