constrained

[kuhn-streynd]

adjective

1. forced, compelled, or obliged.

   a constrained confession.

2. stiff or unnatural; uneasy or embarrassed.

   a constrained manner.

constrained

/ kənˈstreɪnɪdlɪ, kənˈstreɪnd /

adjective

1. embarrassed, unnatural, or forced

   a constrained smile

Other Word Forms

• constrainedly adverb
• unconstrained adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of constrained¹

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

Example Sentences

There are benefits to diversification, but Nvidia is also a powerful player whose supply of products has been constrained.

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Supplies of natural ingredients are still constrained, but growing.

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Pentagon strategists, constrained by American laws and policies limiting security assistance to military governments, hope to sideline the Russians and get back into the West African security business.

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Occidental’s high net debt of about $22 billion—it will be reduced after the Berkshire deal is completed—has constrained the company’s financial flexibility.

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The issue is what the uniform represents, and the poorly constrained rage within the man wearing it that it gives agency to seep out.

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Related Words

• strained