strained

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.

He said the city has been strained by highway maintenance responsibilities it took over from the state of Maryland following the 2008 financial crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

In a world where public trust in science already hangs in the balance, a system that is visibly strained and occasionally embarrassed gives bad-faith actors fresh ammunition.

From Slate • May 3, 2026

The tensions are interpersonal, with arguments at family gatherings and friendships strained or shattered.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

As with memory chips, manufacturing capacity is being heavily strained and there are shortages, driving up prices.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

I did every dirty job there was: I cleaned outhouses and strained bugs out of cisterns.

From Full of Beans by Jennifer L. Holm