do reluctantly; manage with difficulty; strained; barely enough
Meanings
5 senses · 15 examplesadjective
managing with difficulty; barely able to do something
Describes a situation where one persists despite lacking sufficient ability or strength.
He was unwell, but he barely managed to finish the race.
My English is average; I can just barely understand this article.
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I can still manage to hang on with this job for now.
adjective
reluctant; unwilling; not done wholeheartedly
Describes an action performed due to pressure, obligation, or politeness, rather than genuine willingness.
To save face, he reluctantly agreed.
She wore a forced smile.
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He only gave his grudging consent to the proposal.
verb
to force someone; to compel; to pressure someone into doing something
To make someone act against their will.
If he doesn't want to go, forget it. Don't force him.
Parents shouldn't force their children to choose a major they dislike.
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Matters of the heart cannot be forced.
adjective
far-fetched; strained; unconvincing
Used to describe explanations, arguments, or connections that are weak and not logically sound.
This argument is very strained and probably won't hold water.
The excuse he gave seemed very far-fetched.
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Linking these two events together is rather forced.
adjective
barely sufficient; just enough; making do
Describes a quantity or condition that is just adequate, often implying it's not ideal but will suffice.
This bit of fodder is just barely enough to feed the livestock for one day.
My salary is just enough to pay the rent.
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We'll just barely make it in time.