# strained

/ˈstɹeɪnd/ (US) · /stɹˈeɪnd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/strained
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. tense or difficult

adjective · CEFR B2

describing a situation or relationship that is not relaxed and feels full of worry or anger.

For teachers: characterised by tension, unease, or a lack of cordiality, often applied to social atmospheres or interpersonal relationships.

- There was a strained silence in the room after they had their big argument.
- The strained relations between the two neighbouring countries eventually led to a complete breakdown in diplomatic communication.

### 2. not natural

adjective · CEFR B2

showing that you are trying very hard to hide your true feelings, like a fake smile.

For teachers: produced with apparent effort; lacking in spontaneity or naturalness.

- She gave a strained smile even though she was actually very disappointed.
- His laughter sounded strained, suggesting that he found the joke offensive rather than amusing.

### 3. tired or overused

adjective · CEFR B1

describing a part of the body, like a voice or a muscle, that is tired from too much work.

For teachers: showing signs of physical exhaustion or overexertion, particularly regarding the voice or muscles.

- The teacher's voice sounded strained after talking to students all day.
- After weeks of overtime, his eyes looked strained and he struggled to focus on the computer screen.

### 4. filtered food

adjective · CEFR B1

describing food that has been passed through a tool to remove solid pieces.

For teachers: having been passed through a sieve or filter to separate liquid from solid matter.

- The chef served a bowl of strained yogurt with honey and nuts.
- The recipe requires strained tomatoes to ensure the sauce has a perfectly smooth consistency without any seeds.

## Examples

- She looked strained after the long meeting.
- His voice sounded strained when he tried to explain the mistake to his boss.
- The politician's strained smile failed to hide the deep anxiety that gripped the cabinet during the crisis.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.