constrained
Americanadjective
-
forced, compelled, or obliged.
a constrained confession.
-
stiff or unnatural; uneasy or embarrassed.
a constrained manner.
adjective
Other Word Forms
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
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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.
"They're in the same universe. They're constrained by the same chemical and physical rules. So, it's not surprising they'd end up evolving the same way."
From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026
Reduced investment in data centers and related infrastructure could further ease demand for power, equipment and other constrained inputs, he says.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
The unwelcome trajectory for mortgage rates overshadows some positive news for home buyers: the recovery in housing supply, which has been constrained over the past few years.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 14, 2026
"However, our ability to achieve significant reductions in energy usage is constrained by the nature of our estate," she said.
From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026
They smacked the gravel from their clothing and walked in constrained silence to the entrance of the orderly room.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
