stressful
gb/stɹˈɛsfəl/ us/stɹˈɛsfəl/
B1
English
~ 8400
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
causing worry, strain, or tension
Making you feel very worried, nervous, or under pressure.
Usage pattern:
[something] is stressful
Common mistake:
Learners often say *"I am stressful"* when they mean *"I am stressed"*. Use **stressful** to describe things that cause stress (a stressful day, a stressful job) and **stressed** to describe how a person feels (I feel stressed, I am very stressed today). Also avoid using **stressful** before a person unless you mean they cause stress for others (e.g., *a stressful boss* means a boss who makes you feel stressed).
Synonyms
tense (Often describes a situation full of nervous feeling or suspense, not always long-lasting pressure like 'stressful'.)
|
taxing (Sounds slightly more formal and focuses on how tiring or demanding something is, not only on the emotional worry.)
|
nerve-racking (More informal and stronger; suggests extreme nervousness or fear, often in a short, intense situation.)
|
demanding (Focuses on how much effort or time something needs; it can be stressful but not always emotionally worrying.)
Antonyms
relaxing (Describes something that helps you rest and feel calm, the opposite of creating stress.)
|
calm (Describes a peaceful situation without pressure, tension, or strong emotion.)
|
stress-free (Direct opposite; describes something with no stress or pressure at all.)
Collocations
stressful job
|stressful situation
|stressful day
|stressful time
|stressful environment
|stressful experience
Themes
emotions
|health
|daily life
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Starting a new job can be very stressful, especially in the first few weeks.
- The last few months have been extremely stressful for her because of family problems.
- Driving in heavy traffic every day is one of the most stressful parts of his life.
- Exams are always stressful, even when you feel well prepared.
- Working in an emergency room is incredibly stressful but also rewarding.
Learner examples
- This week is very stressful for me at work.
- Moving to a new country can be stressful.
- The interview was stressful, but I did my best.
- It is stressful when you have too many emails.
- Final exams are stressful for many students.
Grammar
Dictionary form
stressful
IPA
GB/stɹˈɛsfəl/
US/stɹˈɛsfəl/
Syllables & stress
stress - ful (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (stress)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: stressful
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.