adjective

cramped

/kræmpt/ · say it: KRAMPT

uncomfortably small or crowded

In Describing & Comparing

In more detail

1. (adjective) uncomfortably small or limited in space

2. (adjective) (of handwriting) small and difficult to read

Examples

1. The apartment was so cramped that we could barely move around.
2. Her cramped handwriting was hard to decipher.

How to use cramped

Cramped describes uncomfortable physical restriction, whether of literal space (a cramped office) or legibility (cramped writing). It conveys discomfort or inconvenience, with a negative emotional undertone. It differs from narrow in that narrow is neutral and purely descriptive of dimensions, while cramped implies inadequacy for the intended use.

Common phrases

cramped space
cramped quarters
cramped conditions
cramped handwriting
feel cramped
cramped apartment

Synonyms

confined · tight · restrictive · congested · narrow

Opposites

spacious · roomy · expansive

Word family

cramp (verb/noun) · cramps (noun) · cramping (verb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use cramped for anything small (a 'cramped object'), but it specifically refers to a space being too small for comfort or function, or handwriting being tightly compressed.

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