strained

/stɹˈe‍ɪnd/

/ˈstɹeɪnd/

strained

lacking natural ease

synonyms : labored

showing signs of mental and emotional tension

struggling for effect

synonyms : agonistic

lacking spontaneity; not natural

Examples

1. The injured athlete received therapeutic massages from a licensed masseuse to aid in the recovery of strained muscles.

2. Your hospitals are clearly strained.

3. Relations between Madonna and Simon are becoming strained.

4. Behind the scenes, the relationships between frontman Sting, guitarist Andy Summers, and drummer Stewart Copeland were more and more strained.