A delay in forming a government could push back the start of Brexit talks, now scheduled for June 19, and reduce the time available for what are expected to be the most complex negotiations in post-World War Two European history.
But in one of the most sensational nights in British electoral history, a resurgent Labour Party denied her an outright win, throwing the country into political turmoil.
Boris Johnson, a potential replacement leader should Theresa May resign or be pushed out by the Conservatives, were noticeably silent in the aftermath of the election.
It reflects poorly on May's leadership that she has brought her party to this pass. The Labour Party was projected to win 266, up from 229.
With 649 of 650 seats declared, the Conservatives had won 318 seats, the Labour Party had 261 seats, followed by the pro-independence Scottish National Party on 34.
The final result was announced nearly 24 hours after polls closed. But just as the Brexit vote was a surprise, so was this election.
Speaking outside 10 Downing St., May scarcely acknowledged the election's disastrous outcome, promising to form "a government that can provide certainty". The DUP had 10. The DUP is now led by Arlene Foster, and is the largest party in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
"She gambled. and she lost", the Conservative-backing tabloid said.
May's predecessor David Cameron sought to silence eurosceptic fellow Conservatives by calling the referendum on European Union membership, expecting Britons to vote to remain.
Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London, said it's not even clear whether May will now lead those negotiations. "She has fewer seats than she started with", Landale wrote.
Predictions of Conservative success became more modest as the party's campaign faltered following a series of missteps.
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French President Emmanuel Macron also offered his congratulations, telling Ms May he was pleased she would continue to be a close partner. Even if she stays, it'll be tougher for her to get things done. He said it was impossible to predict whether she would still be prime minister at the end of the year.
Despite campaigning against Brexit, Labour has accepted the result but said it would prioritise maintaining close economic ties with the EU.
He said he was "confident my party has a great future". However, many top party officials have called for a "softer" process. Young people tend to be more optimistic about the future and value mobility and job opportunities overseas.
"The young have a bad deal", said Ben Page, chief executive of pollster Ipsos MORI.
A jubilant Corbyn said it is "pretty clear who won this election". While he was demonized by conservative newspapers, on Facebook Corbyn was trending. "I would have thought that's enough to go, actually, and make way for a government that will be truly representative of all of the people of this country". Protocol dictates that May must now put a "Queen's speech" to a vote in Parliament to officially establish her new government. "This was the first time I voted".
Others predicted she would soon be gone.
The election campaign was rocked by two terror attacks, which drew attention to May's record in her former job as interior minister, while her own performances were heavily criticised.
"It is the most damning finding that in one of our polls that I can remember".
For many British voters, the feeling after the country's third major vote in as many years was weariness.
"Shock for May", said The Daily Telegraph, a conservative broadsheet.
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