What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stressful
Example
The job interview was very stressful for me. [stressful: adjective]
Example
I find it stressful to manage multiple projects at once. [stressful: adjective]
taxing
Example
The hike up the mountain was very taxing on my legs. [taxing: adjective]
Example
It can be taxing to take care of a sick family member. [taxing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stressful is more commonly used than taxing in everyday language. Stressful is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while taxing is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stressful and taxing?
Taxing is more formal than stressful and is typically used in professional or academic contexts. Stressful is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.