C1noun2K

Constraint

UK /["/kənˈstreɪnt/"]/US /["/kənˈstreɪnt/"]/

Definition

a thing that limits something, or limits your freedom to do something

In simple words: A limit or restriction that controls what you can do.

Examples

  • **constraints of time/money/space**
  • **financial/economic/legal/political constraints**
  • This decision will impose serious constraints on all schools.
  • The government has placed tight constraints on spending this year.
  • There are major financial constraints on all schools.
  • We have to work within severe constraints.
  • We are severely limited by legal and political constraints.
  • At last we could relax and talk without constraint.

Usage notes

Used in various contexts, such as legal, academic, or everyday situations to refer to limits. Generally neutral, but can be seen as formal in legal contexts.

Grammar pattern

constraint + on/upon + object

Memory hint

Think of 'constrained' like being held back; imagine a rubber band being stretched to its limit.

Collocations

  • important
  • major
  • severe
  • impose
  • place
  • put
  • within a/​the constraint
  • without constraint
  • constraint on

Synonyms

  • restriction

Antonyms

  • freedom
  • liberty
  • independence

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'consistency' due to similar sounds.
  • Using 'constraint' as a verb; it is only a noun.
  • Mixing up singular and plural forms, forgetting that 'constraints' refers to multiple limits.