Constraint

/kənˈstreɪnt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A limitation or restriction.

The project faced a constraint in terms of budget, limiting our options.

A condition or restriction that must be adhered to.

He completed the task within the constraint of a tight deadline.

A factor that limits or restricts actions or behavior.

The lack of resources was a major constraint on the team's ability to innovate.

An imposed restriction in mathematics or science.

In this optimization problem, we have several constraints that must be satisfied.

The act of constraining or limiting.

The constraint of the product design was imposed by safety regulations.

Middle English: from Old French 'constrainte', from Latin 'constrictionem', from 'constringere' meaning 'to bind together'.

legal constraint

A restriction imposed by law.

economic constraints

Limitations imposed by economic conditions.

time constraints

Limitations related to the amount of time available.

restrict

To limit or control something.

constrain

To compel or force someone towards a particular action.

limitation

A restriction in size, amount, or extent.

To feel trapped or limited.

He felt constrained by his 9-to-5 job.

Being held back from what you want to do.

The project was constrained by lack of funding.