an unbearable pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unbearable pressure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or feeling that is extremely difficult to endure or manage, often in a psychological or emotional context. Example: "The constant demands of work and family life created an unbearable pressure that left her feeling overwhelmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Her body shook so hard it rattled the aluminum slab she was laid upon, and there was an unbearable pressure inside her as the surgeon pushed the knife in.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Shorn of fiction film's usual drug formulas, Maria Full of Grace instead focuses on the psychological elements that lead a person to such a decision, the unbearable pressure of a flight with a belly full of drug pellets, the suspense of customs interrogations and, finally, the consequences on the ground.

The Guardian - Film

I've just given up a teaching career because of unbearable pressure from senior management, someone who was not a subject specialist telling me how to teach my subject, setting ridiculous targets ranging from having to teach new qualifications to 6th formers, without training, a new compressed curriculum at both KS3 & KS4, primary teacher training... the list could go on.

The Guardian

On a town centre shopping street it is only too easy to find voters who are angry and upset by what they see as an influx of immigrants putting unbearable pressure on services.

Independent

"The whole issue has divided opinion and the club has been put under unbearable pressure as a result.

BBC

"The whole issue has divided opinion and the club has been put under unbearable pressure as a result," said Oldham's chief executive, Neil Joy.

The Guardian - Sport

Although M.I.T. is tight-lipped about its legal strategy, the lawsuit, by its nature, has started a blame game about who is more responsible for putting pressure on a girl who ultimately put unbearable pressure on herself.

The New York Times - Magazine

But once they join up, the stresses and strains of a violent posting can place unbearable pressure on them.

BBC

"The whole issue has divided opinion and the club has been put under unbearable pressure as a result," read the statement. .

BBC

The BP document acknowledges that with this casing method, gases could leak to the wellhead and put unbearable pressure on a single-seal barrier if the cement around the pipe didn't seal properly.

Forbes

Maybe that would have given him strength and solace at a time when he was feeling such unbearable pressure".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unbearable pressure", ensure the context clearly establishes what is causing the pressure and who or what is experiencing it. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid vague statements where the source of "an unbearable pressure" is unclear. Always specify what is creating the pressure to prevent confusion and strengthen your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unbearable pressure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It describes a state of extreme stress or difficulty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unbearable pressure" is a phrase used to describe a situation or feeling that is extremely difficult to endure. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and commonly used, especially in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "intolerable strain" or "overwhelming stress" can be used to convey similar meanings. When using the phrase, ensure the source of the pressure is clearly identified to maximize clarity and impact. Understanding the context and intended severity helps to effectively communicate the intensity of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intolerable strain

Emphasizes the limit of what can be endured, similar to unbearable but focuses on strain.

overwhelming stress

Highlights the magnitude of the stress, conveying a sense of being overpowered.

crushing burden

Focuses on the weight and oppressive nature of the difficulty.

intense duress

Implies a state of hardship or suffering, making the pressure feel more acute.

extreme coercion

Highlights that the pressure results in someone doing something they don't want to, through force

unrelenting force

Emphasizes the continuous and persistent nature of the pressure.

severe strain

A more general term indicating significant difficulty and tension.

agonizing stress

Focuses on the painful and distressing nature of the stress.

excruciating tension

Highlights the extreme level of tension and discomfort.

unendurable burden

Similar to crushing burden, but places more emphasis on the limit of endurance.

FAQs

How can I use "an unbearable pressure" in a sentence?

You can use "an unbearable pressure" to describe situations causing extreme stress or difficulty. For example: "The constant demands of the job created "an unbearable pressure"."

What can I say instead of "an unbearable pressure"?

Alternatives include "intolerable strain", "overwhelming stress", or "crushing burden", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "unbearable pressure" or "intense pressure"?

"Unbearable pressure" suggests a level of stress that is beyond what can be tolerated, while "intense pressure" simply indicates a high degree of stress. The choice depends on the severity you want to emphasize.

What situations typically lead to "an unbearable pressure"?

Situations involving high stakes, constant demands, significant responsibility, or lack of support often lead to "an unbearable pressure".