Constrained

Constrained describes something that is restricted, limited, or kept within certain bounds or boundaries. It implies a lack of freedom or flexibility, often due to external forces, rules, regulations, or internal limitations like personal inhibitions. It can apply to actions, behavior, resources, options, or even abstract concepts like thought and expression. The degree of constraint can vary, from mild limitations to severe restrictions. The focus of the word is always that a form of restriction exists.

Constrained meaning with examples

• The company's expansion plans were constrained by a lack of funding, forcing them to scale back their operations. They needed more capital to compete in this new market. They felt they were limited by money. They had other ambitions but were unable to do so due to being constrained in this aspect. This meant a difficult choice
• Due to the strict privacy regulations, the doctor was constrained in the information she could share with the patient's family. She was limited by these new rules. She was not allowed to share information that broke privacy rules. She was not allowed to share what they could not know. This made her job hard.
• After the accident, the athlete's movement was severely constrained by the injury, preventing him from competing in the upcoming championships. His leg was broken so he was restrained from moving. His leg was in a cast so it was difficult. He could barely walk because he was constrained to a wheelchair
• The artist felt constrained by the rigid conventions of the time, limiting their creative expression and forcing them to conform to popular styles. The pressure on them was intense. This limited them. They could not do what they wanted. This forced them to pick a style.
• The budget allocated for the project was extremely constrained, requiring the team to find innovative solutions and make difficult choices about resource allocation. This made it very difficult. They had to make big cuts. They had to plan for their choices to allow more for other ideas. It restricted their spending.