Definition of 'constraint'
Word forms: plural constraints
1. countable noun
A constraint is something that limits or controls what you can do.
2. uncountable noun
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
British English pronunciation
American English pronunciation
You may also like
Word Frequency
constraint in American English
noun
1.
a constraining or being constrained
; specif.,a.
confinement or restriction
b.
compulsion or coercion
2.
a.
repression of natural feelings or behavior
b.
forced, unnatural manner; awkwardness
3.
something that constrains
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Word Frequency
constraint in American English
(kənˈstreint)
noun
SYNONYMS 1. force, obligation, pressure.1.
limitation or restriction
2.
repression of natural feelings and impulses
to practice constraint
3.
unnatural restraint in manner, conversation, etc.; embarrassment
4.
something that constrains
5.
the act of constraining
6.
the condition of being constrained
7. Linguistics
Most material © 2005, 1997, 1991 by Penguin Random House LLC. Modified entries © 2019
by Penguin Random House LLC and HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Word Frequency
constraint in British English
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Examples of 'constraint' in a sentence
constraint
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content that does not reflect the opinions or policies of Collins, or its parent company HarperCollins.
We welcome feedback: report an example sentence to the Collins team. Read more…
Trends of
constraint
View usage over:
Source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
In other languages
constraint
British English: constraint
NOUN /kənˈstreɪnt/
A constraint is something that limits or controls what you can do.
Their decision to abandon the trip was made because of financial constraints.
- American English: constraint /kənsˈtreɪnt/
- Brazilian Portuguese: limitação
- Chinese: 限制
- European Spanish: restricción
- French: contrainte
- German: Beschränkung
- Italian: restrizione
- Japanese: 制約
- Korean: 제약
- European Portuguese: restrição
- Spanish: restricción
- Thai: ข้อจำกัด
Browse alphabetically
constraint
Related terms of
constraint
Source
Definition of constraint from the Collins English Dictionary
Read about the team of authors behind Collins Dictionaries.
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
KITCHEN UTENSILS
Drag the correct answer into the box.
frying pan
toaster
tin opener
measuring jug
KITCHEN UTENSILS
Drag the correct answer into the box.
mixing bowl
toaster
food processor
cafetière
Your score:
Word of the day
aswarm
filled , esp with moving things; swarming
Latest Word Submissions
Study guides for every stage of your learning journey
Whether you're in search of a crossword puzzle, a detailed guide to tying knots, or tips on writing the perfect college essay, Harper Reference has you covered for all your study needs.
Read more
Updating our Usage
There are many diverse influences on the way that English is used across the world today. We look at some of the ways in which the language is changing. Read our series of blogs to find out more.
Read more
Area 51, Starship, and Harvest Moon: September’s Words in the News
I’m sure a lot of people would agree that we live in strange times. But do they have to be so strange that Area 51 is making headlines? And what’s this about fish the look like aliens. September’s Words in the News explain all.
Read more
Collins English Dictionary Apps
Download our English Dictionary apps - available for both iOS and Android.
Read more
Collins Dictionaries for Schools
Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. And best of all it's ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom.
Read more
Word lists
We have almost 200 lists of words from topics as varied as types of butterflies, jackets, currencies, vegetables and knots!
Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge!
Read more
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
INVERTEBRATES
Drag the correct answer into the box.
moth
cockroach
butterfly
mayfly
INVERTEBRATES
Drag the correct answer into the box.
cockroach
fly
centipede
ant
Your score:
New collocations added to dictionary
Collocations are words that are often used together and are brilliant at providing natural sounding language for your speech and writing.
Read more
Study guides for every stage of your learning journey
Whether you're in search of a crossword puzzle, a detailed guide to tying knots, or tips on writing the perfect college essay, Harper Reference has you covered for all your study needs.
Read more
Updating our Usage
There are many diverse influences on the way that English is used across the world today. We look at some of the ways in which the language is changing. Read our series of blogs to find out more.
Read more
Area 51, Starship, and Harvest Moon: September’s Words in the News
I’m sure a lot of people would agree that we live in strange times. But do they have to be so strange that Area 51 is making headlines? And what’s this about fish the look like aliens. September’s Words in the News explain all.
Read more
Learning English: Days of the week
Learn how to discuss what happens on different days of the week, whether you want to make plans for the day or talk about weekly routines.
Read more
Learning English: Going shopping
Discover some useful English expressions to use while you're out at the shops in this week's Learning English blog.
Read more
Sting-Nettle Day
We're taking a closer look at the intriguing expressions and customs that have grown up around one of the most versatile plants out there - the stinging nettle.
Read more
Learning English: Saying goodbye
Learn informal ways to say goodbye in British English - from 'Goodbye' to 'See ya!' with examples and tips for everyday use.
Read more
Collins English Dictionary Apps
Download our English Dictionary apps - available for both iOS and Android.
Read more
Collins Dictionaries for Schools
Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. And best of all it's ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom.
Read more
Word lists
We have almost 200 lists of words from topics as varied as types of butterflies, jackets, currencies, vegetables and knots!
Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge!
Read more