: subjected to or affected by stress
The feeling that one must show up for work even if one is too sick, stressed [=stressed-out], or distracted to be productive.Paul McFedries
As important as training is to distance running, the time devoted to repair stressed muscles between races is even more crucial.Joseph Hall
That translates into a drought, and stressed trees are highly susceptible to beetle infestations.Jim Robbins
… the soundscape inside these vehicles, punctuated by mechanical rattles and the groans of stressed metal …Chris Knight

Examples of stressed in a Sentence

He was feeling pretty stressed about the deadline. you seem really stressed right now, so maybe you should try to do something more relaxing
Recent Examples on the Web What does that mean to be born with the neuronal makeup of a traumatized or stressed parent? Nicholas Stfleur, STAT, 12 Apr. 2024 Yes, especially today, when people are already highly stressed and anxious by events in the world, finances, politics, and on and on. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 5 Apr. 2024 Future tests might focus on tree-dwelling species, or on vipers like rattlesnakes, which recent research suggested prefer to den with kin and get less stressed around other snakes. Asher Elbein, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2024 Nearly 14% of the company’s employees reported feeling stressed, according Novo Nordisk’s 2023 annual report. Bruce Gil, Quartz, 22 Mar. 2024 Those who were not laid off may feel stressed and disengaged, fearing that AI will target them next to be let go. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 One recent study of British companies that agreed to adopt a 32-hour workweek concluded that employees came to work less stressed and more focused while revenues remained steady or increased. Russ Bynum, Fortune, 16 Mar. 2024 In studies, people report feeling stressed and fatigued following even a brief vigilance task. Matthew Robison, Discover Magazine, 2 Mar. 2024 Chaos ensues as Ailbhe gets progressively more stressed with every step Jinx takes. Addie Morfoot, Variety, 21 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stressed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stressed was in 1973

Dictionary Entries Near stressed

Cite this Entry

“Stressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stressed. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

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