# pressed

/ˈpɹɛst/ (US) · /pɹˈɛst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pressed
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. short of time or money

adjective · CEFR B2

having very little of something, especially time or money.

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

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

adjective · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

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

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

- He acted like he didn't care, but you could tell he was pressed by those comments.
- She spent the entire evening responding to trolls on her profile, clearly pressed by the negative feedback her latest post had received.

Teaching 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. forced into service

adjective · CEFR C2 · Archaic

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

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

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

## Examples

- I am a bit pressed for time right now.
- Many small businesses are currently pressed for cash due to the sudden rise in energy costs.
- Even the most seasoned executives find themselves hard pressed to maintain a work-life balance when a major merger is underway.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.