Word
compressive
Phoneticscom·pres·sive
UK/kəmpɹˈɛsɪv/
Definition
adj. relating to pressing or squeezing something together. You use it to talk about force that pushes inward on a material.
adj. relating to compression or to forces that press material inward. Often used in engineering and physics to describe stress, strength, or loads that reduce volume.
Examples
“The box resists strong compressive force.”
“Engineers test the concrete pillar for compressive strength before building the bridge.”
“The new alloy withstands extreme compressive loads without cracking, making it ideal for deep-sea structures.”
Examples
simple
“The box resists strong compressive force.”
contextual
“Engineers test the concrete pillar for compressive strength before building the bridge.”
complex
“The new alloy withstands extreme compressive loads without cracking, making it ideal for deep-sea structures.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “compressive” in context.
Verb
01. apply compressive
“Technicians apply compressive force to check the concrete cube.”
verb + adj
02. buckle under compressive
“Thin walls buckle under compressive stress far more easily.”
verb + prep + adj
03. deform under compressive
“The foam deforms under compressive force but springs back fast.”
verb + prep + adj
04. exert compressive
“The press exerts compressive pressure on the metal sample.”
verb + adj
Noun
05. compressive failure
“Sudden compressive failure shattered the ceramic sample.”
adj + noun
06. compressive force
“A steady compressive force was applied to the spinal disc model.”
adj + noun
07. compressive load
“The bridge pier is designed to carry a massive compressive load.”
adj + noun
08. compressive strain
“Sensors recorded the compressive strain in the support beam.”
adj + noun
09. compressive strength
“Engineers measured the compressive strength of the new concrete mix.”
adj + noun
10. compressive stress
“Excessive compressive stress can cause microfractures in bone.”
adj + noun
11. apply compressive force to
“Workers apply compressive force to the panel to test its durability.”
12. exert compressive load on
“The hydraulic press exerts compressive load on the steel block.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies, as in 'compressive strength' or 'compressive force'.
Real-World Examples
“Engineers typically favor short and fat structures for things built to tolerate compressive force, but these birds have long, slender necks with segmented vertebrae.” “A 2025 study tested structural clay units reheated to 1,800 F and found no statistically significant loss of compressive strength – its ability to hold weight.” “It creates this layer of compressive stress that makes it more difficult for flaws to penetrate through the glass.” Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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