arbitrary constraints

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arbitrary constraints" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe limitations or restrictions that are not based on any specific reason or logic, often implying that they are imposed without justification. Example: "The project was hindered by arbitrary constraints that limited our creative freedom."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

In a different vein, women live in a society that presents as "natural" what they experience as arbitrary constraints.

The New York Times

Mr. Samuels's good nurses struggled against the arbitrary constraints of their routines, while his bad ones drifted in a haze of marginal competence.

The New York Times - Health

Computer simulations are ideally suited to study systems under arbitrary constraints; hence they are useful for the investigation of metastability.

Chemical Engineering Science

It is motivated by a crucial step in tetrahedral mesh generation in which a set of arbitrary constraints (edges or faces) need to be entirely preserved.

Computer-Aided Design

The teenager is, after all, the perpetual and universal outsider, both suspicious and envious of the adult world with all its arbitrary constraints and heady opportunities, as expressed in Caulfield's hatred of his buttoned-down schoolmates and his budding lust for jazz.

The Guardian - Books

Arbitrary constraints or cuts in personnel spending, uninformed by an awareness of the underlying clinical and staff resources needed to deliver high-quality outcomes for a variety of medical conditions, can lead to long treatment delays, worse care and outcomes, and overstressed, frustrated caregivers.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

He added that "an arbitrary constraint like the prime minister's salary is not helpful".

The Guardian

Precise adherence to Soil Taxonomy places an arbitrary constraint on field observations at 2 m.

Geoderma

"Any arbitrary constraint on our portfolio would remove an important bid for mortgages from the market, which would lead to higher and more volatile mortgage rates for homeowners," Raines told the Senate Banking Committee.

Forbes

Something about the arbitrary constraint of making a movie only with still photographs in order to allow for or arrange for this transcendent moment where you actually violate the rules that you've created for yourself--that feels a lot like writing poetry to me.

Huffington Post

No arbitrary constraint on the dummy variables was required for PLS regression.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arbitrary constraints", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the constraints are considered arbitrary. Providing specific examples or highlighting the lack of logical basis can strengthen your argument.

Common error

While "arbitrary constraints" is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal or academic writing can weaken your tone. Consider more precise alternatives like "unjustified restrictions" or "unreasonable limitations" to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arbitrary constraints" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "arbitrary" modifies the noun "constraints". It typically serves to describe limitations or restrictions that lack a clear or justifiable basis. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is correct and widespread.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "arbitrary constraints" is a valid and commonly used phrase to describe limitations lacking a logical basis. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, including science, news, and business. When using this phrase, be mindful of its slightly critical connotation and ensure the context clearly explains why the constraints are deemed arbitrary. Consider alternatives like "unjustified restrictions" or "unreasonable limitations" for greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unjustified restrictions

Emphasizes the lack of justification behind the restrictions.

unreasonable limitations

Highlights the lack of reason or fairness in the limitations.

capricious limitations

Implies the limitations are subject to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.

random restrictions

Focuses on the lack of pattern or predictability in the restrictions.

artificial limits

Stresses that the limits are created, not naturally occurring.

gratuitous restrictions

Highlights that the restrictions are uncalled for or unnecessary.

groundless constraints

Emphasizes the lack of any valid basis for the constraints.

baseless limitations

Similar to 'groundless', stressing the absence of a foundation.

undue restrictions

Indicates that the restrictions are excessive or inappropriate.

dictatorial constraints

Suggests the constraints are imposed authoritatively and without consent.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "arbitrary constraints" in a sentence?

Use "arbitrary constraints" to describe limitations or restrictions that appear to lack a rational or logical basis. For example, "The project's progress was hampered by a series of "arbitrary constraints" imposed by management."

What are some alternatives to using "arbitrary constraints"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives such as "unjustified restrictions", "unreasonable limitations", or "random restrictions".

Is there a subtle difference between "arbitrary constraints" and "unnecessary constraints"?

"Arbitrary constraints" emphasizes the lack of logical justification, while "unnecessary constraints" highlights that the limitations are not required or essential. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.

When is it appropriate to use the term "arbitrary constraints"?

Use "arbitrary constraints" when you want to criticize or question the validity of certain restrictions or limitations. It suggests that these constraints are not based on objective criteria or sound reasoning.