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 Words From

• strained·ly [streynd, -lee, strey, -nid-], adverb
• strainedness 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

Anolik is less charitable about Babitz’s subsequent work, which she considers to be attenuated and strained, lacking the buzzy exuberance of “Slow Days, Fast Company.”

From Los Angeles Times

Russian strikes have severely damaged Ukraine’s power grid, and as winter approaches, officials predict that Ukraine’s power capacity will be strained, although repairs and support from allied nations may help the country avoid the large-scale blackouts of previous seasons.

From Los Angeles Times

Tax credits to help people buy homes could overwhelm an already strained housing market.

From Salon

To investigators at the scene of Polly Klaas’ abduction in early October 1993, the story strained belief.

From Los Angeles Times

“We just went back the next time, did our normal thing, forgot what lies behind and strained forward toward what lay ahead,” Scott added.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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