straining
adj.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.
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.
Often used attributively before a noun to describe physical or emotional effort.