strained

English Thesaurus

1. struggling for effect (adj.all)

similar	:	affected, unnatural, affected, unnatural,
definition	:	speaking or behaving in an artificial way to make an impression (adj.all)

2. lacking natural ease (adj.all)

similar	:	awkward,
definition	:	lacking grace or skill in manner or movement or performance (adj.all)

3. showing signs of mental and emotional tension (adj.all)

similar	:	tense,
definition	:	in or of a state of physical or nervous tension (adj.all)