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.
Strained yogurts and yogurt-based sauces show up across cuisines, from tzatziki to raita.
From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026
Strained for resources, the state has called on over 7,500 emergency personnel and first responders, including the state and National Guard and firefighters from as far away as Canada.
From BBC • Jan. 10, 2025
Strained medical centers quickly filled with injured people, rescue workers said.
From Washington Times • Feb. 6, 2023
Strained local resources are, unsurprisingly, a key factor: “Hunger is probably the closest thing to a universal or near-universal mediator” of cannibalism, Rosenheim says.
From Scientific American • Nov. 28, 2022
The whole crowd of invaders were disgustingly haughty and self-important—worse even than the Strained Relations, Sara thought; but the officers were the worst of all.
From The Garden of the Plynck by Minard, Florence
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.
