constraint

noun

con·​straint kən-ˈstrānt How to pronounce constraint (audio)
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
a 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

Examples 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Padres, facing payroll constraints, are considering trading away key players to address their remaining needs for starting pitching and greater depth at multiple positions. Dennis Lin, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025 The core concern is that artificial general intelligence, or AGI—a system that surpasses humans in most regards—could potentially outmaneuver any constraints designed to control it, perhaps permanently disempowering humanity. Harry Booth / Paris, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025 The return to profit growth follows a plunge in 2023, as the impact of global supply chain constraints drove a huge spike to record highs in 2021 and 2022. Jenni Reid, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2025 The fires are likely to force lasting changes on the insurance sector as companies try to navigate so many constraints, though the full extent of the impact won’t be clear for a while. Umair Irfan, Vox, 5 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for constraint 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French constrainte, from constraindre — see constrain

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of constraint was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near constraint

Cite this Entry

“Constraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constraint. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

constraint

noun
con·​straint kən-ˈstrānt How to pronounce constraint (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on constraint

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