constrained

[ kuh n-streynd ]

/ kənˈstreɪnd /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR constrained ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

forced, compelled, or obliged: a constrained confession.

stiff or unnatural; uneasy or embarrassed: a constrained manner.

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

constitutionalize, constitutionally, constitutive, constr., constrain, constrained, constraint, constrict, constriction, constriction ring, constrictive

Origin of constrained

First recorded in 1565–75; constrain + -ed²

Related forms

con·strain·ed·ly

[kuh n-strey-nid-lee] /kənˈstreɪ nɪd li/, adverbun·con·strained, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for unconstrained

Unconstrained by market pressures, private schools have been gouging their customers at a similar pace.
The Tuition Gouge|David Frum|January 30, 2012|DAILY BEAST
This is how America likes to think of itself: unconstrained by the past, generous, adaptable, pragmatic.
The Cynical Bush-Clinton Show|Lee Siegel|January 18, 2010|DAILY BEAST
A run of the merriest, the sweetest, the most unconstrained laughter broke overhead like a bird's song.
Gilian The Dreamer|Neil Munro
Violations of etiquette are most rare, yet no court in the world appears more simple and unconstrained in its forms.
The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 16, No. 93, July, 1865|Various

It was in a perfectly calm and unconstrained voice, however, that he made answer.
Under False Pretences|Adeline Sergeant
Her face and speech, fair and unconstrained, had neither shadow nor beam directed specially for me.
The Adventures of Harry Richmond, Complete|George Meredith
With an unconstrained, independent air, Master Pearson entered the house, where the Squire stood ready to receive him.
John Deane of Nottingham|W.H.G. Kingston

British Dictionary definitions for unconstrained (1 of 2)

unconstrained

/ (ˌʌnkənˈstreɪnd) /

adjective

not having any constraints

British Dictionary definitions for unconstrained (2 of 2)

constrained

/ (kənˈstreɪnd) /

adjective

embarrassed, unnatural, or forceda constrained smile

Derived Forms

constrainedly (kənˈstreɪnɪdlɪ), adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012