Word
straining
Phoneticsstrain·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstɹeɪnɪŋ/
UK/stɹˈeɪnɪŋ/
Definition
adj. showing that someone is trying very hard to do something, often with a lot of physical or mental effort. It describes a look or sound that is not relaxed because of this struggle.
adj. characterised by intense effort or exertion; appearing forced or unnatural due to the difficulty of the task. Often used to describe facial expressions, voices, or physical movements that lack ease.
Examples
“He spoke with a straining voice as he tried to lift the heavy box.”
“The athlete's straining muscles were visible as she pushed through the final meters of the race.”
“The diplomat maintained a straining smile throughout the tense negotiations, clearly struggling to hide his growing frustration with the lack of progress.”
Examples
simple
“He spoke with a straining voice as he tried to lift the heavy box.”
contextual
“The athlete's straining muscles were visible as she pushed through the final meters of the race.”
complex
“The diplomat maintained a straining smile throughout the tense negotiations, clearly struggling to hide his growing frustration with the lack of progress.”
Usage
Often used attributively before a noun to describe physical or emotional effort.
Real-World Examples
“Since then, the virus has spread rapidly, straining government responses.” “My much-atrophied Python muscles were already straining and would absolutely not be able to meet this challenge.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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