constraint
gb/kənstɹˈeɪnt/ us/kənstɹˈeɪnt/
B2
Anglais
~ 3000
Sens
0 sens
Nom
B2
entity
1
A restriction or limitation
Something that limits what you can do.
Schéma d’usage :
a constraint on [something]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes confuse 'constraint' with 'restraint'; 'restraint' often refers to self-control or physical holding back, while 'constraint' is usually an external limit.
Synonymes
restriction (Very close in meaning; often interchangeable in neutral contexts.)
|
limitation (Highlights the boundary or extent of what is possible.)
Antonymes
freedom (Opposite in that it means the absence of restrictions.)
|
permission (Implies allowance rather than limitation.)
Collocations
time constraint
|budget constraint
|legal constraint
|impose constraints
|remove constraints
Thèmes
rules
|limits
|business
|planning
|law
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- The project was delayed due to budget constraints.
- There are legal constraints on how the land can be used.
- 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
- We cannot finish because of time constraints.
- There are rules and constraints in this game.
- Money constraints stopped the trip.
- We work under many constraints at this job.
- The law puts constraints on smoking indoors.
Nom
formal
C1
state
2
Feeling of limited freedom
A feeling that you cannot act freely or naturally.
Schéma d’usage :
[someone] feels a constraint in [situation]
Erreur fréquente :
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.
Synonymes
inhibition (Focuses more on psychological or social self-consciousness.)
|
reserve (A milder form of holding back behavior or emotion.)
Antonymes
ease (Implies comfort and lack of restriction in behavior.)
|
openness (Willingness to act or speak without holding back.)
Collocations
social constraint
|emotional constraint
|show constraint
|feel constraint
Thèmes
emotions
|behavior
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- He spoke without constraint during the informal meeting.
- Social constraints prevented her from expressing her true opinion.
- 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
- He spoke with no constraint at the party.
- She feels constraint when talking to strangers.
- There is much constraint in formal meetings.
- I cannot work well under emotional constraint.
- He draws with no constraint in his art.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
constraint
API
GB/kənstɹˈeɪnt/
US/kənstɹˈeɪnt/
Syllabes et accentuation
con - straint (2 syllabes)
Stress on 2nd syllable (straint)
Formes du mot
Noun
- Base: constraint
- Plural: constraint, constraints
Famille de mots
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.
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples
- The committee acted under constraint from the new regulations.
- He made the decision under severe constraints.