constraint

noun
UK: /kənˈstreɪnt/
US: /kənˈstreɪnt/

  1. Something that limits your freedom to do what you want.

    1. I am working under some constraint, so I cannot tell you more.
    2. The budget constraint meant they couldn't afford to buy a new car this year and were limited.

  2. A condition that limits what you can do.

    1. Time is a big constraint, so we need to be quick to act.
    2. Environmental regulations place constraints on industrial development in many regions.

  3. A feeling that you are forced to do something.

    1. He felt the constraint of his promise to his dying mother.
    2. Despite the constraints of her upbringing, she managed to become a successful artist.

Synonyms

restriction limitation restraint control curb check impediment hindrance
constraint transitive-verb

  1. To severely restrict the scope, extent, or activity of something.

    1. The new laws will constrain freedom of speech.
    2. Limited resources constrain the project's potential, making expansion difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "constraint" in English means: Something that limits your freedom to do what you want., A condition that limits what you can do., A feeling that you are forced to do something..

The phonetic transcription of "constraint" is /kənˈstreɪnt/ in British English and /kənˈstreɪnt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "constraint": restriction, limitation, restraint, control, curb, check, impediment, hindrance.

Example usage of "constraint": "I am working under some constraint, so I cannot tell you more.". More examples on the page.