1. restricted or limited by rules, circumstances, or other factors
2. appearing forced or unnatural; lacking ease or spontaneity

Examples

• The budget constraints left us with very constrained options for the project.
• Her movements seemed constrained by the tight dress.
• He felt constrained by his parents’ strict rules about curfew.
• The actor’s performance felt constrained and lacking in emotion.
• Working in such a small space, the designers were constrained in their creativity.
• She gave a constrained smile when meeting her ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend.
• The company’s growth was constrained by limited funding.