under pressure
idiom
1
: tightly pressed into a container
The contents of the bottle are under pressure.
2
: in a state of stress or anxiety because of having too much to do
They both work well under pressure.
3
: being made to feel forced to do something (as by arguments, threats, etc.)
The mayor is under pressure to resign.
Examples of under pressure in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Shares in Samsung Electronics have also been under pressure after its fourth-quarter profit missed estimates on the back of higher costs.
—
Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025
Leaders with these attributes thrive under pressure, adapt well to complex changes, and maintain stability under scrutiny.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 3 Feb. 2025
The club are under pressure to raise funds to comply with spending regulations.
—Jacob Whitehead, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
After journalist-characters from the player’s Media Expansion Pack expose the payments, Fagan denies any impropriety but eventually resigns under pressure.
—Matt Thompson, SPIN, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for under pressure 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025
Leaders with these attributes thrive under pressure, adapt well to complex changes, and maintain stability under scrutiny.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 3 Feb. 2025
The club are under pressure to raise funds to comply with spending regulations.
—Jacob Whitehead, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
After journalist-characters from the player’s Media Expansion Pack expose the payments, Fagan denies any impropriety but eventually resigns under pressure.
—Matt Thompson, SPIN, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for under pressure
Dictionary Entries Near under pressure
Cite this Entry
“Under pressure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/under%20pressure. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share