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.
Guardiola wiped his face dry with his white t-shirt and tried to regain his composure as his side strained for one final victory under his management.
From BBC • May 24, 2026
The signing occurs amid global trade turbulence and strained EU-U.S. relations.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
The dispute comes at a sensitive moment for the company as it faces intensifying competition from rivals SK Hynix and Micron amid surging AI-driven chip demand that has already strained global supply.
From BBC • May 21, 2026
A total of 55% of family caregivers have felt financially strained, according to AARP.
From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026
His shoulders were broad, and his shirt and braces strained against his shoulder blades.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
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.
