constrained

[kuhn-streynd]

adjective

1. forced, compelled, or obliged.

   a constrained confession.

2. stiff or unnatural; uneasy or embarrassed.

   a constrained manner.

constrained

/ kənˈstreɪnɪdlɪ, kənˈstreɪnd /

adjective

1. embarrassed, unnatural, or forced

   a constrained smile

Other Word Forms

• constrainedly adverb
• unconstrained adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of constrained¹

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

Example Sentences

"She's about quality, not quantity. She's not going to be constrained by how anyone else in the past has done the role."

From BBC

Lord Murphy said that while those who oppose the Windsor Framework would have liked him to have had a wider remit, he was "constrained by the terms of reference of this review".

From BBC

Even before then, Paramount’s buying habits were constrained by its heavy debt and past penchant for share buybacks, making it difficult for them to invest deeply in new content.

From Los Angeles Times

"With a constrained Assembly mandate additional legislation beyond that already scheduled is unfortunately inhibited," it added.

From BBC

The main problem for Democrats is that, in the states that provide them the best opportunity to gain seats through redistricting, they are constrained by state law.

From Salon

Related Words

• strained