1. the act of making something narrower or more restricted
2. the process of becoming financially constrained or experiencing reduced circumstances

Examples

• The straitening of the river channel caused flooding upstream.
• Economic straitening forced many families to cut their expenses.
• The straitening of regulations made it harder for small businesses to operate.
• After his job loss, the straitening of his finances was immediate.
• The straitening of the pathway made it difficult for two people to walk side by side.
• The company's straitening circumstances led to layoffs.