1. a limitation or restriction that controls or influences behavior or action
2. something that limits one’s freedom of action or choice
3. the state of being restricted or confined

Examples

• Budget constraints forced the company to cancel the project.
• Time constraints made it impossible to finish the assignment.
• The new safety regulations place constraints on factory operations.
• She felt the constraint of living with her parents again.
• Legal constraints prevent the disclosure of personal information.
• Working under such tight constraints was very stressful.
• The constraint of the small apartment made entertaining difficult.