Meaning
- Constraint is a noun that refers to a limitation, restriction, or control that prevents someone from doing something freely.
- It can also describe the act of forcing or compelling behavior through pressure.
Grammar and Usage
-
Part of speech: Noun
-
Common structures:
- “constraint on + noun” (limitation affecting something)
- “under constraint” (restricted condition)
- “impose a constraint” (to enforce a restriction)
- “financial/time/legal constraint” (type of limitation)
Common Phrases
- Time constraint – limitation due to lack of time
- Budget constraint – financial restriction
- Legal constraint – rules or laws restricting action
- Operate under constraints – work within restrictions
Collocations
- Adjectives + constraint: severe constraint, external constraint, natural constraint
- Verbs + constraint: face constraints, impose constraints, remove constraints, overcome constraints
- Constraint + preposition: constraint on growth, constraint on freedom
Examples
- The project was delayed due to budget constraints.
- Students often work under time constraints during exams.
- The new law places strict constraints on advertising.
- Despite the constraints, the team managed to finish the task.
- His creativity flourished once the constraints were removed.
- The company faces legal constraints in expanding overseas.
- We must operate within the constraints of the available resources.
- Cultural constraints sometimes influence decision-making.
Synonyms or Related
- Limitation
- Restriction
- Barrier
- Obstacle
- Restraint
- Condition