Word
stressed
US/ˈstɹɛst/
UK/stɹˈɛst/
Definitions
01worried or anxious
B1 · Intermediate
adj. feeling very worried or tired because you have too much work or too many problems.
adj. experiencing mental or emotional strain resulting from demanding circumstances.
“He felt very stressed about his job interview and couldn't sleep.”
“Many employees reported feeling increasingly stressed as the merger deadline approached and the workload doubled overnight.”
Pitfall
The exam was very stressed.
The exam was very stressful.
Use 'stressed' to describe how a person feels. Use 'stressful' to describe the situation that causes the feeling.
02emphasised sound
B2 · Upper Intermediate Technical
adj. describes a part of a word that you say more loudly or clearly than the others.
adj. bearing a linguistic accent or emphasis within a word or phrase.
“In the word 'apple', the first part is the stressed syllable.”
“Learners often struggle with English rhythm because they fail to distinguish between stressed and unstressed syllables in rapid speech.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it describes, such as 'stressed syllable'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “stressed” in context.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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