strained

[streynd]

adjective

1. affected or produced by effort; not natural or spontaneous; forced.

   strained hospitality.

strained

/ streɪnd /

adjective

1. (of an action, performance, etc) not natural or spontaneous

2. (of an atmosphere, relationship, etc) not relaxed; tense

Other Word Forms

• strainedly adverb
• strainedness noun
• well-strained adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of strained¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; strain ¹, -ed ²

Example Sentences

Eritrea has not yet commented on the letter, but its relationship with Ethiopia has become increasingly strained in recent months.

From BBC

This long-term slowdown in housing construction has left the region with an older, more strained housing stock and a deep shortfall in affordable options, USC said.

From Los Angeles Times

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the surge in energy prices has strained the economy even further – to near zero growth.

From BBC

He’s also animated to look as if he’s had extensive plastic surgery and he speaks with a strained voice, as if he can’t move his face.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2019, almost a year after the Woolsey fire, a similar report prepared by Citygate Associates detailed how multiple simultaneous fires strained first responders’ ability to prioritize where to send people.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• constrained 
• labored 
• stiff 
• tense 
• tight 
• uneasy