intolerable pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

"intolerable pressure" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation where the pressure is unbearable or cannot be tolerated. An example could be: "The team faced intolerable pressure to meet the deadline." Alternative expressions include "unbearable pressure" and "unmanageable pressure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The result is putting intolerable pressure on the variety of life on the planet.

The New York Times

"This report provides more evidence that the prison system as a whole is under intolerable pressure.

Independent

The arrest hampered our evidence-gathering and placed us in Britain under intolerable pressure".

The Guardian

But this combination of passion and expectation can create intolerable pressure.

The Guardian - Tech

Did the government's naming strategy put intolerable pressure on Dr Kelly?

The Guardian

Medical students are put off by the intolerable pressure ministers have placed on general practice.

The Guardian

Like Dr Kelly, my husband, Philip, had been subjected to intolerable pressure at work.

The Guardian

Did Mr Kelly end his life because of the intolerable pressure the government thereby put him under?

The Economist

Ever since, Cook has been engaged in the most dogged defence, in the face of extraordinary, and intolerable, pressure.

The Guardian - Sport

This new cut would put intolerable pressure on those who have already been hit disproportionately by the recession and public spending cuts".

Independent

Chiles has hit out at the corporation, saying he and Bleakley were portrayed as greedy and put under "intolerable pressure" over their decision to quit.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intolerable pressure" when you want to convey a sense of something unbearable, and leading to negative consequences or outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "intolerable pressure" in situations where the pressure is simply challenging but not truly unbearable. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intolerable pressure" functions as a noun phrase, with "intolerable" modifying "pressure". It describes a state of extreme strain or stress that is unbearable. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct to use in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "intolerable pressure" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a state of extreme and unbearable stress. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for use in written English. It is most frequently found in news media, conveying serious or urgent situations. When writing, use it to evoke that sense of extreme stress, but avoid overuse in less critical contexts. Consider alternatives like "unbearable strain" or "excessive strain" to tailor the expression to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unbearable strain

Emphasizes the aspect of strain being too much to handle, rather than the pressure itself.

excessive strain

Focuses on the strain being beyond a reasonable or acceptable level.

overwhelming stress

Highlights that stress is too powerful to resist.

unacceptable burden

Focuses on the load or responsibility being too heavy to bear.

extreme duress

Focuses on the severe level of coercion or constraint.

insufferable stress

Highlights the emotional and mental distress caused by the pressure.

crushing burden

Implies a heavy and destructive load that is difficult to bear.

untenable force

Indicates that the pressure is a force that cannot be maintained or defended.

unjustifiable duress

Suggests that the pressure is not only excessive but also unfair or without reason.

unmanageable demands

Highlights the difficulty in handling the pressure because of unrealistic or unachievable expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "intolerable pressure" in a sentence?

You can use "intolerable pressure" to describe situations where someone or something is facing unbearable strain. For example: "The government was under "intolerable pressure" to act."

What phrases can I use instead of "intolerable pressure"?

Alternatives include "unbearable strain", "excessive strain", or "overwhelming stress". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "intolerable pressure" or "unacceptable pressure"?

While both describe a problematic situation, "intolerable pressure" suggests a situation that cannot be endured, while "unacceptable pressure" implies something that should not be allowed. Choose based on whether you're emphasizing endurance or permissibility.

What does "intolerable pressure" typically lead to?

"Intolerable pressure" often leads to negative outcomes such as stress, burnout, system failure, or drastic changes in behavior or policy. The specific result depends on what is experiencing the pressure.