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
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.
Oil prices rose after Wednesday’s plunge as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remained largely constrained and Israeli attacks on Lebanon threatened a fragile truce.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 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
But when market sentiment shifts or volatility rises, investors may find that liquidity is more constrained than expected.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026
In other words, they are not the least constrained or intimidated by the other work of art.
From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson
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.
