Low participation could crimp job growth as the supply of labor shrinks, unless a significant rise in wages lures more people back into the labor force.
Environmental problems like worsening pollution and water shortages in North China could crimp growth by up to 1.9% per year.
Here's the problem: Businesses run in cycles, and a temporary downturn (and consequent reduction in payments from customers) could crimp the company's ability to cover those $5 million annual interest payments.
Make it too specific, and it could crimp legitimate businesses that bolster the economy.
Some bankers say they are overly burdensome, arguing that even a slow introduction could crimp lending.
Parts of Europe are still unstable, and higher food and energy prices could crimp household spending.
That could crimp predictions that Swiss will break even in 2003.
Rising interest rates and last week's stock market rout could crimp results in coming quarters.
If the sales take too long, it could crimp Xerox's cost-cutting plans.
The auto maker estimates the eight-week strike cost it about $3 billion, which could crimp spending on expenses.
