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

He told The Guardian some events of the last four years have been "very stressful" and he had been "finding out certain things that have really, really hurt."

From BBC

The remarkable variety of experiences, both positive and stressful, adds up to what she describes as "an unprecedented insight into children's inner world".

From BBC

“They’re sitting on it. Having physical products sitting in your space can get really stressful. They have to sell it because they see it every day.”

From Salon

When Natalie's job in the insurance industry becomes "taxing and stressful", she knows she can switch off at class.

From BBC

“I’ve learned how to cope with stressful situations by throwing crazy parties and unconventional events — so that’s exactly what I plan to do.”

From Los Angeles Times

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.