stressful

adjective

stress·​ful ˈstres-fəl How to pronounce stressful (audio)
: full of or tending to induce stress
stressfully adverb

Examples of stressful in a Sentence

I had a stressful day at work today.
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.
Hacks‘ Ava Daniels has finally found a way to let off some stream after suffering through her stressful job and ongoing feud with Deborah: by getting physical with her new boyfriend/girlfriend pair, Emily and Dev. Nick Caruso, TVLine, 2 May 2025 It’s become our way of keeping a clear head when things get stressful. Vipin Thomas, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Meghan Markle Goes Makeup-Free in Sweats and Sneakers for Her First-Ever Podcast Interview Elsewhere in the episode, Kern Lima, co-founder of IT Cosmetics, opened up about the thoughtful reason behind Meghan’s surprise gift — a moment that came during a particularly stressful time. Janine Henni, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Remember that installing plants is stressful to their root systems. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stressful

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stressful was in 1846

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stressful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stressful. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

stressful

adjective
stress·​ful ˈstres-fəl How to pronounce stressful (audio)
: full of or tending to cause stress
stressfully adverb

Medical Definition

stressful

adjective
stress·​ful ˈstres-fəl How to pronounce stressful (audio)
: full of or subject to stress
stressful situations
stressfully adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on stressful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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