YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

hamstring

Verb

IPA /ˈhæmstrɪŋ/

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UNDERSTAND THE WORD

Meaning in plain English

To seriously limit someone's ability to act or prevent a plan from working effectively by creating a major obstacle.

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Pronunciation

hamstring/ˈhæmstrɪŋ/

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A team has the skills to complete a task
Outdated software blocks essential work
The project cannot move forward effectively

A major obstacle can hamstring a capable team by restricting its ability to act.

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Examples in context

Read the examples aloud. Notice how the word fits the sentence, then think of a situation of your own.

The broken lift hamstrung our plans to move the furniture upstairs.
Outdated software can hamstring a team even when its members work hard.

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Quick word quiz

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Outdated software can ________ a team even when its members work hard.

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hamstring — To seriously limit someone's ability to act or prevent a plan from working effectively by creating a major obstacle.

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To seriously limit someone's ability to act or prevent a plan from working effectively by creating a major obstacle.

Compare: The broken lift hamstrung our plans to move the furniture upstairs.

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Word origin

Formed from ham, an old word for the back of the thigh, and string.

Did you know?

The past tense and past participle are both hamstrung.

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