constraint
gb/kənstɹˈeɪnt/ us/kənstɹˈeɪnt/
B2
English
~ 3000
korlát, korlátozás, megkötés, gátlás, feszélyezettség, kötöttség
NOUN
B2
1
Usage pattern:
a constraint on [something]
The project was delayed due to budget constraints.
A projekt a költségvetési korlátok miatt csúszott.
There are legal constraints on how the land can be used.
A földterület használatára jogi korlátozások vonatkoznak.
Time constraints mean we must finish by Friday.
The new policy removes many constraints on trade.
We had to work within the constraints of the schedule.
Learner examples
We cannot finish because of time constraints.
Az időbeli korlátok miatt nem tudjuk befejezni.
There are rules and constraints in this game.
Ebben a játékban szabályok és megkötések vannak.
Money constraints stopped the trip.
We work under many constraints at this job.
The law puts constraints on smoking indoors.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'constraint' with 'restraint'; 'restraint' often refers to self-control or physical holding back, while 'constraint' is usually an external limit.
Meaning
A restriction or limitation
Collocations
time constraint
|budget constraint
|legal constraint
|impose constraints
|remove constraints
Synonyms
restriction (Very close in meaning; often interchangeable in neutral contexts.)
|
limitation (Highlights the boundary or extent of what is possible.)
Antonyms
freedom (Opposite in that it means the absence of restrictions.)
|
permission (Implies allowance rather than limitation.)
Themes
rules
|limits
|business
|planning
|law
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Something that limits what you can do.
A rule, condition, or limitation that controls what is possible or allowed.
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
[someone] feels a constraint in [situation]
He spoke without constraint during the informal meeting.
Az informális megbeszélésen gátlások nélkül beszélt.
Social constraints prevented her from expressing her true opinion.
A társadalmi kötöttségek megakadályozták abban, hogy kifejezze a valódi véleményét.
There was a noticeable constraint in his manner when the boss entered.
The atmosphere was free of constraint and everyone relaxed.
Her artistic style shows no sign of constraint.
Learner examples
He spoke with no constraint at the party.
A partin gátlások nélkül beszélt.
She feels constraint when talking to strangers.
Feszélyezettséget érez, amikor idegenekkel beszél.
There is much constraint in formal meetings.
I cannot work well under emotional constraint.
He draws with no constraint in his art.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'constraint' with 'restraint' again; in emotional context, 'restraint' suggests self-control, whereas 'constraint' is more about external or situational limitations on expression.
Meaning
Feeling of limited freedom
Collocations
social constraint
|emotional constraint
|show constraint
|feel constraint
Synonyms
inhibition (Focuses more on psychological or social self-consciousness.)
|
reserve (A milder form of holding back behavior or emotion.)
Antonyms
ease (Implies comfort and lack of restriction in behavior.)
|
openness (Willingness to act or speak without holding back.)
Themes
emotions
|behavior
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A feeling that you cannot act freely or naturally.
A state of being restricted in one's actions, speech, or emotions, often leading to discomfort or lack of spontaneity.
Grammar
Dictionary form
constraint
IPA
GB/kənstɹˈeɪnt/
US/kənstɹˈeɪnt/
Syllables & stress
con - straint (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (straint)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: constraint
- Plural: constraint, constraints
Word family
Forms
constraints
noun
Core family
constrain
verb B2
constrained
adjective
Related words
restriction
noun B1
restrict
verb B1
Negative and opposite forms
unconstrained
adjective
Advanced or less common
constraining
adjective
Expressions
budget constraint
1/bˈʌd͡ʒɪt kənstɹˈeɪnt/
fixed phrase
Limit due to lack of money
A limit because there is not enough money.
Examples
- We cannot hire more staff because of budget constraints.
- Budget constraints forced the company to cancel the project.
time constraint
1/tˈaɪm kənstɹˈeɪnt/
fixed phrase
Limit due to lack of time
A limit because there is not enough time.
Examples
- Due to time constraints, we had to shorten the presentation.
- Time constraints make it hard to complete all tasks in one day.
under constraint
1/ˈʌndɚ kənstɹˈeɪnt/
fixed phrase
formal
Forced by restrictions or limits
Made to act because of limits or rules.
Examples
- The committee acted under constraint from the new regulations.
- He made the decision under severe constraints.