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.
You could also be tested by stressful confrontations, urging you to stand up for yourself without losing yourself in the process. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025 The current staffing problems come amid a larger, decades-long shortage of controllers, attributed in part to stressful working conditions and a difficult schedule. Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025 Every year, women brace for the stressful wait of their annual mammogram results. Marnie Goodfriend, Flow Space, 27 Oct. 2025 Applying for or renewing a passport can be stressful, especially when preparing for an international trip. Lauren David, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 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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