constraint
noun
con·straint
kən-ˈstrānt 
1
a
: the act of constraining
b
: the state of being checked, restricted, or compelled to avoid or perform some action
… the constraint and monotony of a monastic life …—
Matthew Arnold
Matthew Arnolda life of invalidism and constraint
c
: a constraining condition, agency, or force : check
put legal constraints on the board's activities
Budget constraints have forced me to revise my travel plans.
2
a
: repression of one's own feelings, behavior, or actions
emotional constraint
b
: a sense of being constrained : embarrassment
" … a constraint between us as if we were strangers … "—John P. Marquand
John P. MarquandExamples of constraint in a Sentence
Lack of funding has been a major constraint on the building's design.
They demand freedom from constraint.
They refuse to work under constraint any longer.
Recent Examples on the Web
Upon their return to the Capitol on Monday, House Speaker Dustin Burrows ordered constraints put on their movements.
—Jade Walker, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025
Budgeting For Reality Over 30% of IBM’s study respondents revealed that budgeting constraints were an obstacle in getting their projects from demo to market.
—Dr. Jason Corso, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
The male frog, measuring about 2.2 inches long from snout to legs, would have been preserved, but due to time constraints, it was instead taken to Germany alive and placed in a moist terrarium, according to the paper.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
Our schools are navigating staffing shortages, budget constraints and post-pandemic challenges.
—Paul Wargaski, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constraint
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Jade Walker, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025
Budgeting For Reality Over 30% of IBM’s study respondents revealed that budgeting constraints were an obstacle in getting their projects from demo to market.
—Dr. Jason Corso, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
The male frog, measuring about 2.2 inches long from snout to legs, would have been preserved, but due to time constraints, it was instead taken to Germany alive and placed in a moist terrarium, according to the paper.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
Our schools are navigating staffing shortages, budget constraints and post-pandemic challenges.
—Paul Wargaski, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Cite this Entry
“Constraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constraint. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
constraint
noun
con·straint
kən-ˈstrānt
1
: the act of constraining : the state of being constrained
2
: something that constrains : check
3
: a holding back of one's feelings, actions, or behavior
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