stressful

adjective

stress·​ful ˈstres-fəl 

: full of or tending to induce stress

stressfully

ˈstres-fə-lē 

adverb

Examples of stressful in a Sentence

I had a stressful day at work today.

Recent Examples on the Web

But passengers don’t have to be helpless during these stressful ordeals. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026

Speaking another language can be stressful, especially when people worry about making mistakes in front of someone else. — Antonio Perez-Nunez, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026

Pegula said tennis provided a therapeutic outlet during the most stressful times. — Jessica Golden,alex Sherman, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026

In this environment, resilience—the ability to adapt to change and bounce back from stressful events—is increasingly crucial. — Christine Muldoon, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stressful

• distressful
• successful
• unsuccessful

Kids Definition

stressful

adjective

stress·​ful ˈstres-fəl 

: full of or tending to cause stress

stressfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

stressful

adjective

stress·​ful ˈstres-fəl 

: full of or subject to stress

stressful situations

stressfully

-fə-lē 

adverb