constrained
Americanadjective
-
forced, compelled, or obliged.
a constrained confession.
-
stiff or unnatural; uneasy or embarrassed.
a constrained manner.
adjective
Other Word Forms
- constrainedly adverb
- unconstrained adjective
Etymology
Origin of constrained
Explanation
Something that's constrained is forced, unnatural and not very spontaneous — kind of like a linebacker trying to perform the ballet Swan Lake. Constrained contains the word strained for a reason. Mostly because anyone that's constrained is feeling a fair amount of strain because of it. In addition to referring to unnatural or uncharacteristic behavior, being constrained can also mean being held back or forced to do something you don't want to do. If your budget has taken a hit, for example, you may feel constrained financially. If you are on a diet, you may feel constrained by the Weight Watchers point system.
Vocabulary lists containing constrained
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
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Ash
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Podcasters are less constrained by party discipline, less dependent on access and more responsive to audience sentiment in real time.
From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026
India's aviation market is poised for significant expansion but remains constrained by a limited number of widebody aircraft, Willie Walsh, the incoming chief executive of IndiGo, told the BBC.
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026
But data centre expansion there is constrained by limited space and relatively expensive electricity.
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
In a republic, the noun, supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, constrained by law.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026
“It was a boat-house originally,” he said, his voice constrained again, difficult, the voice of someone who is uncomfortable about his subject.
From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
