Words / C1

k-uh-n-STRAYNT/kənˈstreɪnt/

A constraint is a real limit on what you can do: time, money, law, space. Native planners write under tight constraints, budget constraints. A limitation can be a weakness in a study; a restriction is often a rule someone imposes. Constraint names the binding condition you must work within.

Meaning

A limit that reduces what you can do.

Examples

• “Time was the main constraint.”
• “Legal constraints ruled out a full copy of the text.”
• “They redesigned the study within ethical constraints.”

Good to know

a constraint / constraints. under constraint. limitation = often a weakness. restriction = a rule.

Near in meaning

limitation

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