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.
It highlights that many of the ocean's fastest and most formidable predators may also be among the most physically constrained.
From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026
If shipping through the strait is constrained for another two months, global growth would weaken and only return to its previous trend by the end of 2028, according to UBS.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026
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
As a result, even if crude production comes back, fuel and gas supplies can remain constrained due to slower recovery in these downstream facilities.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026
Malvonne could feel the wall of life pressed up against the woman’s palms; feel her hands bashed tender from pounding it; her hips constrained by the clutch of small children.
From "Jazz" by Toni Morrison
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.
