B1noun1K

Pressure

UK /["/ˈpreʃə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈpreʃər/"]/

Definition

the act of trying to persuade or to force somebody to do something

In simple words: The force or weight that pushes down on something.

Examples

  • Under pressure, I managed to complete the project on time.
  • The pressure in the tire is too low, so we need to inflate it.
  • She felt a lot of pressure to succeed in her new job.
  • High pressure can lead to serious health issues if not monitored.
  • The pressure of the water increased as we went deeper into the ocean.

Usage notes

Used in various contexts such as science (measuring gases), emotional situations (feeling stressed), or in physical activities (applying force). Avoid using in overly casual situations.

Grammar pattern

pressure + object

Memory hint

Think of 'press' — when something presses down, it creates pressure.

Collocations

  • enormous
  • great
  • intense
  • bring to bear
  • exert
  • generate
  • intensify
  • mount
  • group
  • tactic
  • under pressure
  • pressure for
  • pressure from
  • keep the pressure on somebody
  • keep up the pressure on somebody
  • maintain the pressure on somebody
  • considerable
  • constant
  • intolerable
  • place somebody under
  • put somebody under
  • create
  • build up
  • increase
  • under pressure
  • pressure on
  • pressure of work
  • gentle
  • light
  • firm
  • apply
  • exert
  • put
  • sensor
  • elevated
  • high
  • low
  • build up
  • increase
  • rise
  • gauge
  • valve
  • cooker
  • elevated
  • high
  • low
  • build up
  • increase
  • rise
  • gauge
  • valve
  • cooker

Synonyms

  • force
  • stress
  • strain
  • weight
  • burden

Antonyms

  • relief
  • freedom

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'push' — pressure is about the force applied, not just the action of pushing.
  • Using 'pressure' as a countable noun when it is generally uncountable.
  • Mixing up 'pressure' with 'stress' as they have different meanings and contexts.