C1nounformalacademic
US/kənˈstreɪnt/
UK/kənˈstreɪnt/
something that limits what you can do or how far something can develop
In context
Owing to time constraints, the study included only two schools.
Budget constraints mean that many universities cannot hire enough lecturers.
Poets sometimes produce their best work under strict constraints of form.
Words that go with constraint
noun + noun
- time constraintsBecause of time constraints, we could not interview everyone.
- budget constraintsBudget constraints have delayed the new library.
adjective + noun
- financial constraintsFinancial constraints force many talented students to leave school early.
- practical constraintsPractical constraints meant the experiment ran for only six weeks.
verb + noun
- impose constraintsThe new law imposes constraints on how data can be used.
noun + preposition
- constraints onThere are few constraints on what private universities can charge.