Stressful describes situations, experiences, or periods of time that create pressure, tension, or worry. A stressful day might include a difficult math test, an argument with a friend, and forgetting your homework all in one afternoon. Moving to a new city can be stressful because you're dealing with unfamiliar places, making new friends, and adjusting to different routines all at once.

What makes something stressful is that feeling of being stretched thin or overwhelmed, like you're juggling too many things and worried you might drop them. A challenging puzzle isn't necessarily stressful if you have plenty of time and enjoy solving it. But that same puzzle becomes stressful if you have five minutes to finish it while your little brother keeps grabbing the pieces.

Some situations are universally stressful: performing on stage in front of hundreds of people, being late when you need to be on time, or waiting to find out whether you made the team. Other things are stressful for some people but not others. One student might find group projects stressful because they worry about coordinating with others, while another student finds solo presentations more stressful.

The opposite of stressful might be relaxing, calm, or peaceful. After a stressful week, you might look forward to a quiet Saturday with nothing scheduled.