stressful

[stres-fuhl]

adjective

1. full of stress or tension.

   the stressful days before a war.

Other Word Forms

• stressfully adverb
• unstressful adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stressful¹

First recorded in 1850–55; stress + -ful

Example Sentences

“I don’t think it’s less stressful,” Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior said to an inquiring middle-aged reporter with gray hair getting a little too noticeable.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“We know this is an uncertain and stressful time. However, this is a moment of unity and power, not panic,” she said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Working without regular pay, combined with the possibility that they won’t get paid at all, is resulting in real financial stress for air traffic controllers, who perform one of the most stressful jobs there is.

Read more on Salon

"It's good for stressful situations," said owner John Roberts.

Read more on Barron's

Thomas Schofield, defending, told the court on Monday the defendant wanted to avoid putting Mr Price's family through a "stressful" hearing.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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

When To Use

What does stressful mean?

Stressful means full of stress or causing stress. It’s typically used to describe situations or experiences, such as stressful meetings, stressful trips, or a stressful day.In stressful, the word stress means mental or emotional strain or tension—that all-too-familiar feeling of anxiety, worry, and pressure. Things that are stressful cause people to feel stressed.Example: Trying to study for my math test while also babysitting my three little brothers was incredibly stressful.