strained

[streynd]

adjective

1. affected or produced by effort; not natural or spontaneous; forced.

   strained hospitality.

strained

/ streɪnd /

adjective

1. (of an action, performance, etc) not natural or spontaneous

2. (of an atmosphere, relationship, etc) not relaxed; tense

Other Word Forms

• strainedly adverb
• strainedness noun
• well-strained adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of strained¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; strain ¹, -ed ²

Example Sentences

This long-term slowdown in housing construction has left the region with an older, more strained housing stock and a deep shortfall in affordable options, USC said.

From Los Angeles Times

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the surge in energy prices has strained the economy even further – to near zero growth.

From BBC

He’s also animated to look as if he’s had extensive plastic surgery and he speaks with a strained voice, as if he can’t move his face.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2019, almost a year after the Woolsey fire, a similar report prepared by Citygate Associates detailed how multiple simultaneous fires strained first responders’ ability to prioritize where to send people.

From Los Angeles Times

Jay, who asked not to have his last name published because of a fear of doxxing, said he’s lost friends because of politics and had familial relationships strained over the years.

From Salon

Related Words

• constrained 
• labored 
• stiff 
• tense 
• tight 
• uneasy