background stress
nounUK /ˈbæk.ɡraʊnd strɛs/
US /ˈbæk.ɡraʊnd strɛs/
A little worry that stays in your mind even when you are not thinking about it.
She felt a background stress about the test all week, even while playing.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A mild, constant strain in a situation that is not the main focus.
There was background stress in the office because of the upcoming deadline.
3. In design or sound, a faint pattern of tension or noise behind the main element.
The background stress in the music made the scene feel slightly tense.
4. A small amount of pressure on a material that is not the main load.
Engineers measured the background stress on the bridge supports.