Synonyms of hamstrung

hamstrung 1 of 2

adjective

1

as in unsuccessful

not producing the desired result

several hamstrung attempts to reorganize the local parent-teacher association were made

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unsuccessful
• inefficient
• counterproductive
• ineffective
• feckless
• ineffectual
• worthless
• useless
• inexpedient
• abortive
• futile
• unprofitable
• unavailing
• pointless
• inefficacious
• nonproductive
• bootless
• fruitless
• unproductive
• profitless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• efficient
• effective
• expedient
• efficacious
• operant
• successful
• effectual
• ultraefficient
• beneficial
• useful
• productive
• profitable
• helpful
• worthwhile
• availing

2

as in paralyzed

unable to act or achieve one's purpose

hamstrung by recent congressional limitations on executive power, the president can do little in this situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• paralyzed
• helpless
• weak
• incompetent
• powerless
• impotent
• handcuffed
• hog-tied
• incapable
• high and dry
• passive
• useless
• ineffective
• feeble
• impuissant
• unfit
• ineffectual
• inept
• spineless
• infirm
• supine
• frail
• unaggressive

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• able
• powerful
• capable
• strong
• mighty
• competent
• potent
• effective
• efficient
• dominant
• autocratic
• authoritarian
• tough
• dynamic
• important
• robust
• puissant
• major
• vigorous
• significant
• sturdy
• forceful
• tyrannical
• dictatorial
• energetic
• despotic
• senior
• magisterial
• top
• high-level

hamstrung

2 of 2

verb

past tense of hamstring

as in crippled

to render powerless, ineffective, or unable to move

the downtown development committee claims that it's hamstrung by city ordinances protecting historic buildings

Synonyms & Similar Words

• paralyzed
• crippled
• undermined
• incapacitated
• weakened
• disabled
• immobilized
• attenuated
• sapped
• undercut
• enfeebled
• hobbled
• tired
• prostrated
• debilitated
• mutilated
• enervated
• lamed
• knocked out
• maimed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• energized
• galvanized
• invigorated
• strengthened
• vitalized
• empowered
• fortified
• restored
• revived
• revitalized
• regenerated
• refreshed
• rejuvenated
• freshened
• refreshened

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hamstrung

Adjective

Some oppose them but feel hamstrung or powerless to stop or slow their progress, as occurred in Ypsilanti Township and in nearby Saline Township as well. — Lauren Mullenbach, The Conversation, 1 July 2026

But that machine was largely considered a hamstrung disaster. — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 31 May 2026

Does this mean that the courts are effectively hamstrung for several weeks from the start of early voting to Election Day? — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 13 May 2026

Still, amid his newfound songwriting success, Gordy felt hamstrung by the realities of the record biz. — Brian McCollum, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

Haithcock said schools have been financially hamstrung since Act 10 – the Scott Walker-era landmark law in 2011 that curtailed union bargaining power and cut take-home pay for workers – especially amid declining student enrollment. — Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 19 Mar. 2026

The lingering animosity, in his view, hamstrung budget talks and the passage of the Legislature’s most consequential proposals. — Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026

In Oregon, too, where gray wolves have been established for longer, ranchers feel hamstrung. — Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 16 Feb. 2026

At the outset of the Hot Stove Season, the Mets moved fan-favorite Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers in return for sure-handed, but potentially bat-hamstrung second baseman, Marcus Semien. — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Verb

The Athletic spoke with several other agents about the sponsorship landscape in cycling, and the overwhelming consensus was that riders are hamstrung by the demands of their training and racing schedules. — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 4 July 2026

The weapon issue is also solved as the restrictions are no longer hamstrung by champion counters, as every weapon in the game has been given anti-champion function, broadly opening up the potential there. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Even those items that can be produced will be hamstrung by constraints to global trade. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 17 June 2026

Rian is similarly hamstrung by inarticulacy and masculine angst, but his storyline feels the least convincing, as if fashioned only to prove money can’t buy happiness, even if Cole convincingly suggests unspoken depths. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026

Qatar, the world's second-largest supplier which owns part of the world's largest gas field, has seen its export capacity hamstrung by Iranian strikes. — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 19 May 2026

While Oklahoma City deployed its 10th or 11th men at times, Redick stuck to eight- or nine-man rotations, hamstrung by inefficiencies across the bottom half of the roster. — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 13 May 2026

Assayas is a great filmmaker, but seems hamstrung by this being a film, not a series. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 13 May 2026

But future work may be hamstrung by federal funding cuts. — Joanna Thompson, Space.com, 12 May 2026