Word
stifling
Phoneticssti·fling
US/ˈstaɪfəɫɪŋ/
UK/stˈaɪflɪŋ/
Definition
n. making you feel very uncomfortable because it is too hot, too crowded, or too strict. You use this to describe a situation where you cannot breathe or move freely.
n. causing a feeling of extreme discomfort due to heat, humidity, or lack of space. Often used to describe environments that are overly formal or restrictive to personal freedom.
Examples
“The room was stifling because the air conditioning was broken.”
“The office environment became stifling after the new manager introduced a strict dress code and constant surveillance.”
“The stifling atmosphere of the Victorian drawing room, with its heavy velvet drapes and lack of natural light, made it difficult for the guests to feel at ease.”
Examples
simple
“The room was stifling because the air conditioning was broken.”
contextual
“The office environment became stifling after the new manager introduced a strict dress code and constant surveillance.”
complex
“The stifling atmosphere of the Victorian drawing room, with its heavy velvet drapes and lack of natural light, made it difficult for the guests to feel at ease.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “stifling” in context.
Real-World Examples
“In the park of the Temple of Amun, near the centre, hundreds of onlookers had gathered despite the stifling August heat.” “Others changed where they slept to escape the stifling heat.” “It said this has occurred during shifts where staff have queued for hours outside hospitals to hand over patients in stifling temperatures.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/stifling