constrained

American  

[kuhn-streynd] / kənˈstreɪnd /

adjective

1. forced, compelled, or obliged.

   a constrained confession.

2. stiff or unnatural; uneasy or embarrassed.

   a constrained manner.

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constrained British  

/ kənˈstreɪnɪdlɪ, kənˈstreɪnd /

adjective

1. embarrassed, unnatural, or forced

   a constrained smile

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Other Word Forms

• constrainedly adverb
• unconstrained adjective

Etymology

Origin of constrained

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

Example Sentences

"With lower house prices relative to local earnings, buyers in Wales are less constrained than those in more expensive parts of England, which is supporting price growth."

From BBC

They became the military equivalent of luxury goods—their production constrained by rare materials, specialized labor, artisanal manufacturing, bespoke components, noncommercial supply chains and other limitations.

From The Wall Street Journal

They are tightly constrained requests—limited to 500 words—that allow owners to place an issue before fellow shareholders for a vote.

From The Wall Street Journal

If constrained from supporting parties, they will help other organizations, such as super PACs, advocacy groups and loosely affiliated movements.

From MarketWatch

“Gesture and duration are the ways that I could achieve scale rather than something that was materially constrained like a giant sculpture,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• strained