Word
constraint
Phoneticscon·straint, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈstɹeɪnt/
UK/kənstɹˈeɪnt/
Definitions
01a restriction
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. something that limits your freedom to do what you want.
n. a limitation or restriction on one's actions or choices. Often used in the plural to describe external pressures.
日本語:拘束※
“Financial constraints meant the family could not afford a holiday this year.”
“The project was completed on time despite significant budgetary constraints and a shortage of skilled labour.”
Synonyms
02emotional control
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of hiding your true feelings or behaving in a very controlled way.
n. the state of being checked or restricted in the expression of natural feelings or impulses.
日本語:遠慮※
“They spoke to each other with great constraint after their argument.”
“The diplomat maintained an air of polite constraint, refusing to let his personal frustrations show during the tense negotiations.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03math/optimization
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Mathematics Technical
n. a condition or rule that a mathematical solution must follow.
n. a condition that a solution to an optimization problem or a mathematical model must satisfy.
“The engineer added a weight constraint to the design software.”
“In linear programming, the feasible region is defined by the intersection of all given constraints within the model.”
Synonyms
04computing/databases
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical
n. a rule in a computer system that keeps data correct and organized.
n. a rule or restriction enforced on data in a database to maintain integrity and consistency.
“The database has a constraint that prevents two users from having the same ID.”
“The developer implemented a foreign key constraint to ensure that every order was linked to a valid customer record.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “constraint” in context.
Verb
01. impose constraint
“The new regulations impose constraints on how companies can use personal data.”
verb + noun
02. place constraint
“Budget cuts will place constraints on the department's ability to hire new staff.”
verb + noun
03. satisfy constraint
“The proposed design must satisfy all safety constraints before production begins.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. additional constraint
“The tight deadline acted as an additional constraint on the creative process.”
adj + noun
05. economic constraint
“Many families are unable to travel due to severe economic constraints.”
adj + noun
06. important constraint
“Time is an important constraint that we must consider during the planning phase.”
adj + noun
07. constraint limit
Real-World Examples
“According to the researchers, the constraints imposed by childbirth require a relatively shallow pelvis and a sufficiently wide birth canal.” “Logistical nightmares abound; Harila and the expedition company she hired to provide logistical support, Seven Summit Treks, are at the mercy of seasonal constraints, unpredictable conditions and yet more bureaucratic red tape.” “The researchers say changes in training delivery point to constraints in training pathways.” Etymology
From Middle English constreynt, constreynte, from Old French constreinte, past participle of constreindre (“to constrain”), from Latin cōnstringō (corresponding to the past participle cōnstrictus).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/constraint
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0