hold back

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Long, the Helsinki videogame developer, cautioned that Chinese developers were held back by U.S. controls on AI chips, which could make further advances more difficult.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The PM is fighting for the millions of people in poverty who are held back by a system that doesn't work for them," he added.

From BBC

The ongoing rotation into non-tech sectors such as energy, materials, and industrials is creating a broader, more diversified level of overall exposure—but it’s also holding back gains for the S&P 500.

From Barron's

Construction has remained sluggish, held back by last year’s elevated interest rates and economic uncertainty that continued to weigh on the housing market.

From The Wall Street Journal

I can tell she’s holding back an eye roll, and I feel guilty for saying my thoughts out loud.

From Literature