English dictionary
strained
adjectivePronunciation
stɹeɪ̯nd
Parts of speech
Definitions
adjective
- struggling for effect
adjective
- lacking spontaneity; not natural
adjective
- lacking natural ease
adjective
- showing signs of mental and emotional tension
Example sentences
agonistic poses
a constrained smile
forced heartiness
a strained smile
a labored style of debating
her voice was strained as she asked the question
