constrained

[ kuhn-streynd ]

adjective

1. forced, compelled, or obliged:

   a constrained confession.

2. stiff or unnatural; uneasy or embarrassed:

   a constrained manner.

constrained

/ kənˈstreɪnd; kənˈstreɪnɪdlɪ /

adjective

1. embarrassed, unnatural, or forced

   a constrained smile

Derived Forms

• constrainedly, adverb

Other Words From

• con·strain·ed·ly [k, uh, n-, strey, -nid-lee], adverb
• uncon·strained adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of constrained¹

First recorded in 1565–75; constrain + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Because backcountry skis are already light, women shouldn’t feel constrained to hunting down women-specific backcountry skis.

From Outside Online

That’s good for completing simple tasks in constrained environments, like fulfilling orders in a warehouse.

From MIT Technology Review

Home-buyer demand in most of the country is robust this winter, and activity is strong at the upper end of the market, where housing supply is less constrained.

From Washington Post

The soaring demand and constrained supply have been great news for homeowners who have seen their home values increase.

From Vox

This flawed approach for allocating constrained vaccine supplies could exacerbate inequities that have already devastated communities of color during the pandemic.

From Fortune

I think women are very constrained by the roles that they play.

From The Daily Beast

In one fell swoop, the Supreme Court has constrained government power, expanded corporate rights, and protected religious tyranny.

From The Daily Beast

Both are constrained by the willingness of readers to shell out money for books that may or may not be worth buying.

From The Daily Beast

She and Giuliani can say what some others who live and operate in Washington may feel constrained from saying.

From The Daily Beast

Tesla has said that its ability to produce cars has been constrained by a lack of batteries from suppliers.

From The Daily Beast

There was a constrained late dinner, at the end of which Mamma picked up Judy and put her to bed with endearments manifold.

From Project Gutenberg

And they constrained him, saying, "Abide with us; for it is toward evening, and the day is now far spent."

From Project Gutenberg

And the king saw that they pressed upon him violently: and being constrained by necessity: he delivered Daniel to them.

From Project Gutenberg

There is something wanting in the man who does not hate himself whenever he is constrained to say no.

From Project Gutenberg

But somehow both seemed constrained and troubled by thoughts which they kept from each other.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• strained