constraint

American  

[kuhn-streynt] / kənˈstreɪnt /

noun

• constraints
  plural

1. 

   limitation or restriction.

   Synonyms:

   pressure, obligation, force

2. repression of natural feelings and impulses.

   to practice constraint.

3. unnatural restraint in manner, conversation, etc.; embarrassment.

4. something that constrains.

5. the act of constraining.

6. the condition of being constrained.

7. Linguistics. a restriction on the operation of a linguistic rule or the occurrence of a linguistic construction.

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constraint British  

/ kənˈstreɪnt /

noun

1. compulsion, force, or restraint

2. repression or control of natural feelings or impulses

3. a forced unnatural manner; inhibition

4. something that serves to constrain; restrictive condition

   social constraints kept him silent

5. linguistics any very general restriction on a sentence formation rule

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonconstraint
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• constraints
  plural

Etymology

Origin of constraint

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English constreinte, from Middle French, noun use of feminine past participle of constreindre “to constrain”; see constrain

Explanation

A constraint is a limit or restriction. Hopefully your school won't cut the sports or music programs due to budget constraints! You might notice that constraint is similar to the verb constrict, as in boa constrictor. A constraint tightens around you like a snake and prevents you from doing what you want. Financial constraints prevent you from buying the latest electronic device. Are you tired of living under the constraint of your parents' rules? Sometimes your worries or feelings act as a constraint. You know that someone has become a close friend when you can talk to them without constraint.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

constraint constraints

Chinese port congestion has eased but remains a constraint on available capacity, keeping rates higher.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026

Yet, finance isn't a constraint merely for storage projects but an industry wide problem.

From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026

The mismatch in growth creates a mechanical constraint that helps force the body into a spiral.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 1, 2026

This constraint is shaped by broader realities that make money more valuable for women at exactly the moment when time is most needed.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 31, 2026

As though to prove that the constraint between them was broken, in the next wait for the rowboat Nat strolled over to join her where she stood watching.

From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare

“We’re seeing right now that the Chinese companies face real constraints when it comes to access to compute, not just for training models, but also for deploying them,” Winter-Levy said.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 26, 2026

Infrastructure and shipping constraints limit how easily fuel can move within the U.S. itself.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2026

Given the time constraints, it’s unclear which proposals L.A. transportation leaders might bring back to the state Capitol next year.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 22, 2026

Players receiving the pass have to be comfortable doing so under pressure and naturally, some are more suited to these constraints.

From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026

All the usual constraints that limit the use of medical care by the general population are absent.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

Related Words

• curb
• hindrance
• restraint