constraint

[kənˈstreɪnt]

constraint Definition

• 1. a limitation or restriction
• 2. something that controls or limits what you can do

Using constraint: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "constraint" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The project was completed under severe time constraints.

• Example

  The company's growth was constrained by lack of funding.

• Example

  The government imposed constraints on the use of natural resources.

• Example

  The artist felt that the medium was too constraining for his vision.

constraint Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for constraint

• limitation
• restriction
• restraint
• control
• check

Antonyms for constraint

• freedom
• liberty
• unconstraint

Idioms Using constraint

• chafe at the bit/bridle

  to feel impatient or constrained by rules or limitations

  Example

  He chafed at the bit, eager to start the project but held back by the constraints of the budget.

• put the squeeze on

  to apply pressure or constraints to someone or something

  Example

  The new regulations put the squeeze on small businesses, making it difficult for them to compete with larger companies.

• tighten the screws

  to increase pressure or constraints on someone or something

  Example

  The boss tightened the screws on the employees, demanding more productivity despite the existing time constraints.

Phrases with constraint

• constraint satisfaction

  a problem-solving technique that involves finding a solution to a set of constraints that must be satisfied

  Example

  Constraint satisfaction is used in many fields, including artificial intelligence and operations research.

• budget constraint

  an economic concept that describes the limited amount of income available to consumers to spend on goods and services

  Example

  The budget constraint is an important consideration in personal finance and macroeconomics.

• time constraint

  a limitation on the amount of time available to complete a task or project

  Example

  The team had to work quickly to meet the time constraint for the project.

Origins of constraint

from Old French 'constraign-', present participle stem of 'constraingier', meaning 'to restrain, control'

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Summary: constraint in Brief

The term 'constraint' [kənˈstreɪnt] refers to a limitation or restriction that controls or limits what one can do. It can be a physical, financial, or temporal limitation, as in 'The project was completed under severe time constraints.' 'Constraint' extends into phrases like 'budget constraint,' and idioms like 'put the squeeze on,' denoting increased pressure or constraints. The antonyms include 'freedom,' 'liberty,' and 'unconstraint.'