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

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

That is, Berkshire’s fortress balance sheet and its durable earnings make it more valuable in times of stress or chaos, since it can deploy capital when others are constrained.

From Barron's

The U.A.E. gambling push signaled a profound shift in a region where gambling has been constrained by Islamic prohibitions, and the opening of the last major untapped markets for the global casino industry.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yet with memory supplies so constrained, expect those stocks to remain top of mind for investors.

From Barron's

Reeves 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