constrained ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constrained ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a limitation or restriction on someone's or something's capacity to perform a task or function. Example: "Due to the constrained ability of the software, we were unable to process the large dataset efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

These impacts could be explained by migrants' constrained ability to remit money home due to employment restrictions or discriminatory treatment that negatively impact their earnings' potential.

IZA Journal of Migration

Compounded with the lower education levels of their husbands, these factors might contribute to a constrained ability to participate in BCS programmes.

BMJ Open

The debt burden has many negative implications for food security, not the least of which is the constrained ability to import food and non-food items that could increase domestic food production.

FAO

Finally, the exact mechanisms underlying the constrained ability of Sirt3-deficient mice to cope with rapid changes in nutrient supply and the causes of the accelerated weight gain remain to be determined.

Basic Research in Cardiology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Using the cognitive development framework of Piaget (Inhelder and Piaget 1958) as a context for determining children's abstract thinking abilities, researchers contend that young children have constrained abilities to think scientifically (Kuhn 1989; Marini and Case 1994).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Has this unnecessarily constrained their ability to think creatively about how best to use IT A.

The Economist

But without rising incomes (and with mortgage financing still constrained), Americans' ability to buy new homes will remain limited.

The New York Times

Some have said a 76-point agreement actually constrained the ability of the audience to interact with politicians in a more free-flowing debate.

The Guardian

The troops are quoted as saying that the ousted general's strategy constrained their ability to fight the Taliban, and that they are losing the war.

The Guardian

Most declined, citing a conflict of interest; clinical investigators had to sign confidentiality agreements that constrained their ability to talk about the progress of the trials.

The New Yorker

The reclassification constrained its ability to borrow to pay for engineering work, prompting its chief executive, Mark Carne, to warn that projects could be delayed.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a limitation, use "constrained ability" to highlight external factors or conditions that are restricting someone's capacity, rather than inherent lack of skill.

Common error

Avoid using "constrained ability" when describing a natural lack of skill. Instead, use it to denote a reduction in capacity due to external factors or specific circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constrained ability" functions as a descriptive term, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a limitation or restriction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, as showcased in various example sentences provided.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "constrained ability" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a limited or restricted capacity, often due to external factors. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears in various contexts such as science, news, and business, indicating a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like ""restricted ability"" or ""limited capacity"" exist, "constrained ability" specifically highlights that the ability is being held back by circumstances rather than inherent deficiency. Remember to use it appropriately to convey precise meaning in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restricted ability

This alternative directly replaces "constrained" with "restricted", maintaining a high degree of semantic similarity.

limited capacity

This phrase uses "limited" instead of "constrained", focusing on the finite amount of ability available.

impeded ability

This choice suggests that the ability is being actively hindered or slowed down.

hampered ability

Similar to "impeded ability", this option emphasizes the difficulty in using the ability.

reduced capability

This alternative focuses on the lessened potential or power of the ability.

diminished skill

Shifts the focus from general ability to a specific skill that has been reduced.

curtailed capacity

Emphasizes that the capacity has been shortened or cut back.

circumscribed ability

Implies that the ability is confined or restricted within certain boundaries.

lessened competence

Focuses on a reduction in the quality or effectiveness of the ability.

restricted potential

This option highlights the limited future possibility related to the ability.

FAQs

How can I use "constrained ability" in a sentence?

You can use "constrained ability" to describe situations where someone's capacity is limited by external factors. For example, "Migrants' "constrained ability" to remit money home is often due to employment restrictions."

What are some alternatives to "constrained ability"?

Alternatives include "restricted ability", "limited capacity", or "impeded ability", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "constrained ability" or "limited ability"?

"Constrained ability" suggests external limitations are at play, while "limited ability" can imply an inherent lack of capacity. The best choice depends on the context.

What does "constrained ability" mean in an academic context?

In academic writing, "constrained ability" typically refers to limitations on resources, methodologies, or participants that affect the outcome of research or studies. It highlights that results may be influenced by external factors rather than inherent qualities.