cramped

cramped — adjective

1. describes a room, building, vehicle, or schedule that is too small or too full,

1.形容詞B1
釋義

describes a room, building, vehicle, or schedule that is too small or too full, so that people or objects do not have enough room or time.

例句

The four students shared a cramped flat with just one tiny bathroom.

cramped + noun describing a living space

Mira's schedule was so cramped that she had no time to eat lunch between classes.

cramped + schedule for lack of time

同義詞
  • confined

    more formal, often describes a space that feels closed in

  • tight

    more informal, can describe both spaces and schedules

  • narrow

    focuses on width rather than overall size

  • limited

    emphasises the insufficient quantity of space or time

反義詞
  • spacious

    describes a place with plenty of room

  • roomy

    informal, similar to spacious

文法句型

cramped + noun

be cramped

cramped for space / cramped for time

用法筆記

This sense can apply to both physical space (a cramped room) and time (a cramped schedule). The comparative form 'more cramped' is standard — 'crampeder' is non-standard.

常見錯誤

❌These shoes feel cramped.
✅These shoes feel tight.
💡Use 'tight' for clothing or footwear that is too small; 'cramped' describes a space that lacks room for the people inside it.
❌The bus was cramped with people.
✅The bus was crowded with people.
💡'Crowded' means many people; 'cramped' means the space itself is too small.
❌I feel very cramped in this shirt.
✅I feel very restricted in this shirt.
💡For clothing, use 'tight' or 'restrictive', not 'cramped'.

2. describes a body, posture, or person that feels uncomfortable because there is b

2.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a body, posture, or person that feels uncomfortable because there is barely enough space to stretch or change position.

例句

Hassan's legs grew cramped after sitting in the tiny airplane seat for six hours.

body part + grew cramped due to restricted space

The cat looked cramped inside the small travel carrier and kept meowing.

animal + look cramped — predicative

同義詞
  • restricted

    more general; can describe any limitation on movement without the discomfort implied by 'cramped'

  • constricted

    more formal, suggests being squeezed or compressed

  • uncomfortable

    broader; can describe any source of physical unease, not just lack of space

反義詞
  • comfortable

    describes a position or seat where the body can relax freely

文法句型

feel cramped

get cramped

cramped + body part (cramped legs / cramped muscles)

in a cramped + position / posture

用法筆記

Unlike sense 1, this sense focuses on the physical discomfort of the person or animal rather than the space itself. Commonly used with body parts (cramped legs, cramped shoulders) or with 'feel / get / grow' to describe the sensation of being restricted.

常見錯誤

❌I have a cramped in my leg.
✅I have a cramp in my leg.
💡'Cramp' (noun) is a sudden muscle pain; 'cramped' (adjective) means restricted in movement.
❌After the long flight my legs were very cramp.
✅After the long flight my legs were very cramped.
💡The adjective form 'cramped' is needed, not the noun 'cramp'.