Cramped

The adjective 'cramped' describes a space that is severely confined, restricted in size, and lacking sufficient room for comfort or ease of movement. It implies a sense of tightness, constraint, and a lack of adequate space for the intended purpose. Often, it can evoke feelings of discomfort, claustrophobia, or inefficiency due to the limited dimensions. This restriction can apply to physical environments like rooms or vehicles but can also be used figuratively to describe time constraints, resource limitations, or other situations of pressure and tightness.

Cramped meaning with examples

• The tiny apartment felt incredibly cramped, with barely enough space to walk between the furniture. We had to navigate the narrow hallways sideways! Even the kitchen was a squeeze, making cooking a logistical challenge. Despite the size, we made the best of it. It would certainly be tough to entertain guests.
• The bus ride was excruciating, as the seats were cramped together with very little legroom. Every movement felt restricted and uncomfortable. Passengers bumped shoulders often. The crowded conditions made the journey particularly unpleasant, and I was relieved when the destination finally appeared.
• The team's cramped schedule for the project meant everyone had to work long hours to meet the deadline. They juggled meetings, presentations and data analysis. It led to a hurried pace and a constant feeling of pressure, making it difficult to think and operate at peak level. It certainly wasn't a good situation.
• After years of renting, she moved into a sprawling mansion, a stark contrast to the cramped office where she'd spent countless hours. This workspace had poor ventilation. The change allowed her to stretch out and implement her plans, which gave her a lot of room for creativity.