work under pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'work under pressure' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to situations when a person has to face deadlines, a crowded schedule, or any other stressful situation. For example, you can say "Sometimes I have to work under pressure in order to complete all of my tasks on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Ability to work under pressure essential.

The Guardian - Sport

"We know how to work under pressure," she said.

The New York Times

They bring teamwork and leadership skills, resilience and the ability to work under pressure.

The Guardian

Modern machines, automatically controlled and programmed, can be built to work under pressure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Beyond time-management and ability to work under pressure, critical and independent thinking skills are key areas for recruiters.

The Guardian

I learnt time-management, how to work under pressure and how to communicate effectively – something really important as it's imperative I explain my ideas clearly and fluidly.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Then, there will be a job opening starting immediately at $4.25 an hour for a: "... committed, motivated and energetic individual, who is able to work under-pressure and enjoys working flexible hours".

Huffington Post

Some people can only work under pressure deadlines are motivators.

Huffington Post

We are working under pressure.

The Guardian

"Yes, they will be working under pressure," she says.

The Guardian

"The team that worked on this worked under pressure sometimes late into the night".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing your ability to "work under pressure" in a resume or cover letter, provide specific examples of situations where you successfully managed tight deadlines or high-stress projects. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your effectiveness.

Common error

Don't just state that you can "work under pressure". Instead, illustrate with concrete examples how you prioritize tasks, maintain composure, and deliver results when facing challenging circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work under pressure" functions as a verb phrase that describes the ability to perform tasks effectively in demanding or stressful situations. As seen in Ludwig, it's often used in job descriptions, personal narratives, and news reports to convey resilience and competence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

25%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "work under pressure" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound expression used to describe the ability to function effectively in stressful environments. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used in various contexts, including job applications, news reports, and academic discussions. The phrase signifies resilience, competence, and the capacity to maintain productivity when facing tight deadlines or challenging circumstances. To enhance your writing, provide concrete examples when using this phrase, avoiding vague claims. Alternative phrases like "handle demanding tasks" or "thrive in high-stress environments" can also be employed to convey similar meanings while adding variety to your language. Remember, demonstrating the skills necessary to "work under pressure", such as time management and problem-solving, is key to illustrating your proficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perform effectively in stressful situations

This alternative emphasizes effective performance as a key aspect, adding 'effectively' and implying a specific outcome.

handle demanding tasks

This alternative focuses on the capacity to 'handle' tasks, framing them as 'demanding' to highlight the challenging nature.

thrive in high-stress environments

This alternative replaces 'work' with 'thrive', suggesting a positive adaptation and success in stressful conditions.

manage time-sensitive projects

This alternative specifies the type of work involved as 'time-sensitive projects', focusing on the temporal constraints.

meet tight deadlines

This alternative centers on achieving objectives within strict temporal limits, omitting the explicit mention of 'work'.

cope with urgent demands

This alternative highlights the act of 'coping' and refers to 'urgent demands' emphasizing the need to address pressing requirements.

function under tight constraints

This alternative focuses on the 'constraints' under which work is done, replacing 'pressure' with a broader term.

operate effectively when stressed

This alternative replaces 'work' with 'operate' and uses 'when stressed' to emphasize the condition, highlighting effective operation.

deliver results in challenging conditions

This alternative shifts the focus to 'deliver results', emphasizing outcomes despite the 'challenging conditions'.

excel in fast-paced environments

This alternative replaces 'work' with 'excel', shifting the focus to superior performance within 'fast-paced environments'.

FAQs

How can I demonstrate my ability to "work under pressure" in an interview?

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide detailed examples of times you successfully navigated stressful situations. Highlight how you prioritized tasks, managed your time, and maintained a positive attitude.

What are some alternative phrases to "work under pressure" that I can use in my resume?

Consider using phrases like "handle demanding tasks", "manage time-sensitive projects", or "thrive in high-stress environments" to showcase your ability to perform well in challenging situations.

Is it better to say "work well under pressure" or just "work under pressure"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "work under pressure" is more concise and commonly used. Adding "well" emphasizes competence, but it's often implied. Focus on providing evidence of your ability rather than emphasizing it with extra words.

What skills are essential to effectively "work under pressure"?

Key skills include time management, prioritization, communication, problem-solving, and maintaining a calm and focused mindset. Demonstrating proficiency in these areas can highlight your ability to perform effectively in high-pressure environments.