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.
Refusing to do so would have likely strained relations with the U.S.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026
The letter comes as the South Korean government's relationship with Ukraine has been strained, after President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that two captured North Korean soldiers had been transferred to Seoul's custody.
From Barron's ● Oct. 7, 2026
Harry and King Charles have had a strained relationship since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior working royals and moved to the US.
From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2026
Even the film’s potentially provocative examination of open marriages falls by the wayside, replaced by an increasingly strained subplot involving Haru contending with Mila’s unexpected arrival.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2026
As I plowed through the second trunk, I strained to hear the sound of approaching footsteps.
From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros
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.
