stressful

adjective

stress·​ful ˈstres-fəl How to pronounce stressful (audio)
Synonyms of stressfulnext
: 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.
For many students and young adults who are either blind or visually impaired, the idea of finding a job after graduating high school can be a stressful endeavor, as opportunities are relatively low compared to their non-disabled peers. Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 28 Dec. 2025 Having predictable days can feel grounding when life gets stressful. Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 27 Dec. 2025 Lead author of the study, Helena Costa says collecting the samples is both stressful and fun. Juana Summers, NPR, 26 Dec. 2025 With your trusty tennis ball in tow, travel just got a little less stressful. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 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 1 Jan. 2026.

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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