hard-pressed

UK: /ˌhɑː^rdˈprɛst/ US: /ˈhɑrdˈprɛst/ ,(härd′prest′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

hard•press•ed /ˈhɑrdˈprɛst/   adj. 

1. in great difficulty;
   hard put:
   was hardpressed for a good answer to the question.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

hard-pressed  (härd′prest′), adj. 

1. heavily burdened or oppressed, as by overwork or financial difficulties;
   harried;
   put-upon.

Also, hard′pressed′. 

• 1815–25

Synonyms

assailed, plagued, beset, bedeviled, beleaguered.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

hard-pressed adjective

1. in difficulties; struggling
2. subject to severe competition
3. closely pursued