•The latest education reforms have put extra pressure on teachers who are already hard-pressed.最新的教育改革给工作本来就繁忙的教师增加了额外的压力。

•Because of shortages, the emergency services were hard-pressed to deal with the accident.由于缺乏人手和设备，紧急救援部门处理这起事故时显得捉襟见肘。

•Most people would be hard-pressed (= would find it difficult) to name more than half a dozen members of the government.大多数人连六个内阁成员的名字都说不上来。