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

Supply remained constrained, and inflation, at that time, was running slightly above target.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Copper is becoming the electricity of the modern economy critical to AI, electrification and energy transition, while supply remains structurally constrained,” says Jocum.

From The Wall Street Journal

If constrained flows persist long enough to deplete buffers—potentially beyond about six weeks—manufacturers could face tighter allocations and higher procurement costs, they add.

From The Wall Street Journal

The news provided some relief to the market, though oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz remain largely constrained and Iran continues to attack key energy infrastructure in the region.

From The Wall Street Journal

So “what initially looked like a catastrophic blockade begins to resemble a constrained detour, rather than a full seizure of the artery,” Innes said.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• strained