low pressure

IPA/ˌləʊ ˈpreʃə(r)/
IPA/ˌləʊ ˈpreʃər/

low pressure — noun

1. the state in which the force of a gas or liquid pushing against the walls of a c

1.nounB1
Definition

the state in which the force of a gas or liquid pushing against the walls of a closed container is weak, often because there is less of it inside than outside

Example

Mei-Lin checked the low pressure in her bicycle tyres before the long ride.

collocation: low pressure in [tyres/tire/container]

The pressure cooker works well at a low pressure setting for delicate foods.

prepositional phrase: at a low pressure setting

Common collocations
  • low pressure tyre / tire
  • low pressure gas
  • low pressure warning
  • low pressure reading
  • low pressure setting
Synonyms
  • low compression

    used mainly for engines and cylinders; more technical than low pressure

  • depressurisation

    the process of losing pressure, not the state itself; more formal

Antonyms

Usage Note

Often paired with nouns that name the container or system: tyre/tire pressure, gas pressure, water pressure. Frequently appears in warnings and technical readouts.

Common Mistakes

The tire has a low pressure.
The tyre has low pressure.
'low pressure' is an uncountable noun; do not use 'a' before it.
The low pressure is because you need to pump.
The low pressure is because the tyre needs air.
Complete the comparison rather than using an incomplete clause.

2. a condition in the atmosphere where the air pressure at a given location is lowe

2.nounB1
Definition

a condition in the atmosphere where the air pressure at a given location is lower than the surrounding areas, usually bringing clouds, wind, and rain

Example

A large low pressure system is moving across the Pacific and will bring rain soon.

collocation: low pressure system

The forecaster said the area of low pressure would bring heavy rain to the island.

collocation: area of low pressure

Common collocations
  • low pressure system
  • area of low pressure
  • low pressure zone
  • low pressure weather
  • low pressure chart
  • low pressure front
Synonyms
  • depression

    formal meteorological term for a low pressure system; less common in everyday speech

  • cyclone

    a large-scale low pressure system with rotating winds; more specific and stronger

  • storm system

    emphasises the wind and rain effects rather than the pressure measurement itself

Antonyms
  • high pressure

    the opposite weather condition, usually associated with clear skies and calm weather

Usage Note

Meteorologists often treat low pressure as countable when referring to a specific system ('a low pressure is developing'). In everyday conversation it is uncountable ('low pressure is coming'). Can also be shortened informally to 'a low'.

Common Mistakes

Low pressure means there is less pressure in the air.
Low pressure means the atmospheric pressure is lower than the surrounding areas.
Be specific; 'less pressure in the air' is vague and could be confused with the container sense.
The low pressure brought rain and sunshine.
The low pressure brought rain and strong winds.
Low pressure typically brings unsettled weather, not sunshine.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

All four terms refer to areas of low atmospheric pressure, but they differ in formality and specificity. 'Low pressure' is the most general and commonly used term, especially in weather forecasts and everyday conversation. 'Depression' is a formal meteorological label for a weak to moderate low pressure system without a strong centre; learners may encounter it in weather reports but rarely in conversation. 'Cyclone' describes a large, organised low pressure system with winds rotating around a clear centre — it is stronger and more specific than a depression. 'Storm system' focuses on the effects (wind, rain, thunder) rather than the pressure measurement itself and is common in news coverage. For example: 'A low pressure system will bring rain this weekend' (general forecast). 'A tropical cyclone is developing off the coast of Japan' (specific, strong system).

low pressure ↗depression ↗cyclone ↗storm system

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • area of low pressure
  • under low pressure
  • at low pressure
  • low pressure warning

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishLatinEnglish

The compound 'low pressure' combines Old English 'lāh' (not high, not elevated) with Latin 'pressura' (a pressing, from 'premere' = to press). The weather sense emerged in the mid-19th century as scientists developed instruments to measure atmospheric pressure and identified patterns linking falling barometer readings to stormy weather. The container sense existed earlier, referring to steam engines and gas systems where pressure was mechanically measured.