stressful

[ stres-fuhl ]

adjective

1. full of stress or tension:

   the stressful days before a war.

Other Words From

• stressful·ly adverb
• un·stressful adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stressful¹

First recorded in 1850–55; stress + -ful

Example Sentences

“We would have been able to diagnose our son much earlier if we had any clues because he was 12 when he was diagnosed. At that time I didn’t know much about autism at all and it was a very scary and stressful time for us and it was scary for him too. This show will go a very long way in helping to alleviate that fear.”

From Los Angeles Times

"The system was built on fascism. This will be our chance to rebuild a system based on democracy and equality. It's a gift, actually. A painful and stressful gift."

From Salon

“It’s what I live for. Those years making this movie were stressful, but it also made me want to work more. It’s what I’m happiest doing.”

From Los Angeles Times

Calm has always been committed to supporting people through life’s most stressful moments, and we will continue to be there as a resource whether it’s collective moments of stress or for individuals going through a specific challenging time.

From Salon

They became friends through their children — and said it had been stressful trying to explain elections to them.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agitated
• anxious
• apprehensive
• edgy
• excited
• jittery
• nervous
• restive
• shaky
• strained
• uneasy