constrained

American  

[kuhn-streynd] / kənˈstreɪnd /

adjective

1. forced, compelled, or obliged.

   a constrained confession.

2. stiff or unnatural; uneasy or embarrassed.

   a constrained manner.

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constrained British  

/ kənˈstreɪnɪdlɪ, kənˈstreɪnd /

adjective

1. embarrassed, unnatural, or forced

   a constrained smile

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Other Word Forms

• constrainedly adverb
• unconstrained adjective

Etymology

Origin of constrained

First recorded in 1565–75; constrain + -ed ²

Example Sentences

“The whole ecosystem is more capital constrained than people think it is,” Castagno said.

From The Wall Street Journal

But when market sentiment shifts or volatility rises, investors may find that liquidity is more constrained than expected.

From MarketWatch

"These days Hong Kong is their best hope to attract global investors and position themselves as a player not fully constrained by the boundary of the mainland market," she adds.

From BBC

If supply remains constrained, food prices are likely to rise around the world, adding to inflationary pressures that have knock-on effects outside of the agricultural industry.

From Barron's

Reeves has said any package would be constrained by the government's borrowing rules and its wish to keep inflation and interest rates as low as possible.

From BBC

Related Words

• strained