ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pressed

adj.
US //ˈpɹɛst// UK //pɹˈɛst// pressed
  1. 1 short of time or money (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    having very little of something, especially time or money.

    experiencing a shortage or deficiency of a resource, most commonly time or financial means; frequently used in the phrase 'pressed for'.

    Example

    I would love to stay for coffee, but I am a bit pressed for time today.

    Example

    The small business found itself increasingly pressed for cash as the unexpected repairs to the warehouse depleted their emergency reserves.

    Usage

    Usually followed by the preposition 'for'.
  2. 2 upset or bothered (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal

    feeling annoyed, upset, or bothered by something someone said or did.

    feeling a sense of irritation or emotional distress, often in response to criticism or social media interactions.

    Example

    He acted like he didn't care, but you could tell he was pressed by those comments.

    Example

    She spent the entire evening responding to trolls on her profile, clearly pressed by the negative feedback her latest post had received.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is very common in modern internet culture and social media; it implies the person is 'trying too hard' to defend themselves.
  3. 3 forced into service (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic

    forced to join a group, especially the navy in the past.

    compelled into military or naval service by force, specifically by a press gang.

    Example

    The story tells of a young man who was pressed into the navy against his will.

    Example

    Historical records indicate that many merchant sailors were pressed into service during the Napoleonic Wars to meet the fleet's desperate need for experienced crewmen.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'into'.
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Last updated June 19, 2026