Meaning & use
under pressure
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
In a situation that causes stress or difficulty, often with a deadline or high demands.
Grammar: Used after the verb 'be' or other linking verbs, e.g. 'She is under pressure.'
Patterns
- be under pressure
- work under pressure
- put someone under pressure
The team was under pressure to finish the project by Friday.
He performs well under pressure and stays calm in emergencies.
Teachers are under pressure to improve test scores.
phrasefixed phrase
Being forced or strongly influenced to do something.
Grammar: Often followed by 'to' plus a verb, e.g. 'under pressure to resign'.
Patterns
- under pressure to do something
- under pressure from someone
The manager resigned under pressure from the board.
She agreed to the deal under pressure from her family.
The government is under pressure to change the law.
Common combinations
- work under pressure
- Firefighters often work under pressure.
- put someone under pressure
- The coach put the players under pressure during practice.
- under pressure to do something
- He was under pressure to accept the offer.
- under pressure from someone
- The company acted under pressure from customers.
Synonyms and how they differ
- under stress
- Under stress is similar but often refers to personal mental strain rather than external demands.
- under duress
- Under duress is a formal legal phrase meaning forced by threats, stronger than under pressure.
Opposites
Commonly confused: under pressure or under the pressure?
under pressure vs under the pressure
The fixed phrase is 'under pressure' without 'the'; 'under the pressure of' is possible but less common.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'under pressure' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The correct pattern is 'under pressure to' plus a verb. Option 1 uses 'of' incorrectly; option 2 omits 'to'; option 3 uses 'for' with the wrong verb form.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “under pressure”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.