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.
Jimenez said commercial egg farming differs significantly from his operation and creates a stressful environment for birds, which can harm egg production. Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Feb. 2025 The case was ultimately dismissed but the experience was undoubtedly stressful for the family. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 20 Feb. 2025 Instead, the director’s latest delivers a taut, empathetic drama that captures the stressful realities nurses face. Callum McLennan, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025 Since workers don’t know what might happen after the first offer, making this decision can be quite stressful. Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Stressful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stressful. Accessed 3 Mar. 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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