excel under pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excel under pressure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who performs exceptionally well in stressful or challenging situations. Example: "During the final exam, she was able to excel under pressure, achieving the highest score in the class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Paul Sullivan is a business columnist for The New York Times and the author of Clutch: Why Some People Excel Under Pressure and Others Don't.

Harvard Business Review

The cadets at West Point listened to this part of my speech and nodded, particularly when I told them that no clutch leader was born that way: even generals had to learn to excel under pressure.

Harvard Business Review

The author and journalist Paul Sullivan examines the phenomenon of choking in sports, business, the military and theater in his recent book, "Clutch: Why Some People Excel Under Pressure and Others Don't".

The New York Times

In his book "Clutch: Why Some People Excel Under Pressure and Others Don't" (Portfolio, 2010), Paul Sullivan looks at the criteria that account for performance -- including financial performance -- in times of challenge or adversity.

The New York Times

But anyone who gets tapped by Red Bull should be the type of personality to excel under pressure.

Forbes

I think there's definitely added pressure on everyone, from the "Housewives" to their significant others, and some people really excel under pressure, and some people buckle.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The Sacramento Kings will be chasing them, led by a shooter who excels under pressure, Mike Bibby.

The New York Times

MIT excelled under pressure and pulled out a few close wins.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Why have two unexpected winners like Ben Curtis and Micheel excelled under pressure at the last two majors, while proven players have faulted?

The New York Times - Sports

To me the Yankees epitomize the city — attracting the best, persisting, excelling under pressure, and refusing to give up.

The New Yorker

She excelled under pressure, faultless in her resolve to always deliver the best story possible, often under the most daunting conditions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "excel under pressure" to describe individuals or teams who not only cope with stress but also achieve exceptional results when facing significant challenges. For example, "The team was able to "excel under pressure", delivering the project ahead of schedule despite numerous setbacks."

Common error

Avoid using "excel under pressure" when simply describing a difficult task. This phrase specifically refers to performing exceptionally well because of the pressure, not just in spite of general challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excel under pressure" functions as a descriptive verb phrase, typically used to characterize an individual's or a group's ability to perform exceptionally well when faced with significant challenges or stressful conditions. Ludwig examples show its application in various domains, from sports to business.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "excel under pressure" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon expression used to describe superior performance in stressful situations. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides examples across diverse domains like News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. While the phrase is versatile and generally positive, it should be used accurately to denote performance that is specifically enhanced by pressure, as opposed to simply occurring despite challenges. Related phrases like "thrive in adversity" or "rise to the occasion" offer nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perform well in stressful situations

Highlights performance specifically in stressful contexts.

rise to the occasion

Implies meeting a specific challenge successfully.

thrive in adversity

Focuses on overall well-being and growth, not just performance, in difficult situations.

flourish under demanding conditions

Indicates a thriving state even when faced with tough demands.

shine under duress

Emphasizes a positive outcome despite being under pressure.

deliver results under difficult circumstances

Focuses on achieving tangible outcomes despite challenges.

handle pressure effectively

Focuses on the ability to manage pressure, not necessarily excelling.

succeed despite obstacles

Emphasizes overcoming barriers to achieve success.

maintain composure under stress

Highlights emotional stability and controlled performance.

demonstrate resilience in challenging times

Highlights the ability to recover and adapt positively to adversity.

FAQs

How can I use "excel under pressure" in a sentence?

You can use "excel under pressure" to describe someone who performs exceptionally well in stressful or challenging situations. For example: "She tends to "excel under pressure", consistently delivering high-quality work even with tight deadlines."

What's the difference between "excel under pressure" and "perform well under stress"?

While both phrases describe performing well in difficult situations, "excel under pressure" suggests a higher level of achievement, implying that the person not only copes but thrives and exceeds expectations. "Perform well under stress" is a more general statement of competence. You can use alternatives like "thrive in adversity" or "rise to the occasion".

Which personality traits help someone "excel under pressure"?

Traits such as resilience, adaptability, a strong work ethic, and the ability to remain calm and focused typically enable someone to "excel under pressure". These qualities allow them to navigate challenges effectively and maintain a high level of performance.

Is it always a good thing to "excel under pressure"?

While the ability to "excel under pressure" is generally seen as a positive trait, consistently relying on high-pressure situations for optimal performance may indicate poor planning or an unhealthy work-life balance. It's beneficial to also develop skills for managing workload and avoiding unnecessary stress.