plural constraints
1
: something that limits or restricts someone or something
Lack of funding has been a major constraint on the building's design.
—usually pluralBudget constraints [=restrictions] have forced me to revise my travel plans. [=I've changed my travel plans because I do not have enough money]
Because of time constraints [=limitations], speeches will be limited to five minutes.
Tradition puts/places/imposes constraints on [=puts limits on] people and their actions.
2
: control that limits or restricts someone's actions or behavior
They demand freedom from constraint.
They refuse to work under constraint any longer.
Cite this Entry
“Constraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/constraint. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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