strained
Americanadjective
adjective
-
(of an action, performance, etc) not natural or spontaneous
-
(of an atmosphere, relationship, etc) not relaxed; tense
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of strained
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at strain 1, -ed 2
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.
With rhabdomyolysis, kidneys become strained when proteins and electrolytes from damaged muscle tissue are released into the bloodstream.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2026
City Councillor Josh Matlow did not think the price tag made sense given strained municipal finances.
From BBC • Jul. 8, 2026
Another potential concern is Tesla’s strained business fundamentals, Anmuth noted, pointing to the company’s performance in 2025.
From MarketWatch • Jul. 7, 2026
It is the third, and set to be final, case brought by the Duke of Sussex in his acrimonious legal battle with British tabloids, which has further strained relations with the royal family.
From Barron's • Jul. 7, 2026
I focused back on the spectral woman whose voice was becoming more strained.
From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall
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.
