plural noun
Separate worried or uncomfortable feelings or conflicts caused by disagreement, fear, or difficult situations.
There were tensions between the two nations.
Tensions rose as the negotiations stalled.
American English
How to pronounce tensions
nounB2Common word
TEHNshnz
/ˈtʰɛn.ʃn̩z/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of tension
Tensions usually refers to separate conflicts or strained relationships, while tension is common for a general feeling.
Separate worried or uncomfortable feelings or conflicts caused by disagreement, fear, or difficult situations.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
plural noun
The pulling forces in ropes, wires, or strings that are stretched between two points.
The tensions in the bridge cables were carefully measured.
Different tensions in the strings produce different sounds.
Useful expressions
something that causes disagreement or worry
Money problems are a source of tension at home.
a headache caused by tight muscles in the head, neck, or shoulders
I get tension headaches after long days at my computer.
stretched tightly and pulling at both ends
The cable must remain under tension.
Related words & forms
Use tension for a general feeling and tensions for separate conflicts or problems.