Word
constraint
Meanings
a limitation or restriction that affects what is possible
a rule or condition that must be followed in a system, plan, or design
the state of being forced to behave in a controlled or unnatural way
Definition
A constraint is a limit or restriction that controls what you can do or how something can be done.
A constraint is something that restricts choice, action, or development. It can come from rules, circumstances, resources, or time pressure. People often talk about constraints when planning projects, solving problems, or making decisions within fixed limits.
Examples
- Budget constraint forced me to prioritize essential features over nice-to-have improvements.
- Time constraints mean you must deliver the report by Friday, even if the data still feels incomplete.
- Her creativity thrived under the constraint of using only three colors in the design.
- They treated the new policy as a constraint on collaboration rather than a guide for better practice.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse constraint with restraint: a constraint is an external limit, while restraint is usually self-control or deliberate holding back.
More at C1 level
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