When someone is "hard-pushed," they are finding it challenging and difficult to accomplish a task or to meet a deadline. Some synonyms for "hard-pushed" include "struggling," "overwhelmed," "pressed," "stressed," and "under pressure." These words help to convey the sense of difficulty and pressure involved in completing a task or meeting a goal. Other words that could be used to describe someone who is hard-pushed might include "frustrated," "exasperated," "tired," and "weary." By using a variety of synonyms, writers can help to add nuance and depth to their descriptions of people who are facing challenging situations.