adj
constipated
KONS-tuh-pay-tuhd
Constipated (adj) means Unable to have regular bowel movements. Example: “The doctor recommended more fiber because he was constipated.”
adj
1
Unable to have regular bowel movements.
"The doctor recommended more fiber because he was constipated."
2
Informal: stuck, blocked, or unable to make progress or reach a point.
"But there is no place for grand gestures but there's a basic contempt for women in this puny, constipated drama."
— New West (1977)
"The negotiations felt constipated, going nowhere for weeks."
How to use constipated
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving trouble passing stool; loosely, "blocked up."
Common pairings
feel constipated
chronically constipated
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like constipated.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more constipated
- Superlative
- most constipated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The doctor recommended more fiber because he was _____.
Antonyms
unconstipated
Related words
Rhymes for constipated
See all rhymes for constipated →Frequently asked questions
What does “constipated” mean?
The word “constipated” means unable to have regular bowel movements. In plain terms, having trouble passing stool; loosely, "blocked up.".
How do you pronounce “constipated”?
“Constipated” is pronounced KONS-tuh-pay-tuhd (/ˈkɒnstəpeɪtəd/ in IPA).
How do you use “constipated” in a sentence?
Here is “constipated” used in a sentence: “The doctor recommended more fiber because he was constipated.”
What part of speech is “constipated”?
“Constipated” is an adjective.
How many meanings does “constipated” have?
“Constipated” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: unable to have regular bowel movements.
