However, significant population growth has strained the government's ability to finance further improvements in the country's standard of living.

But economic problems have strained Sweden's ability to maintain, let alone improve, the standard of living.

We don't want you to have to strain your acting ability tomorrow.

The Government said the surge strained its ability to process applications and to care for arrivals.

And the contingency cuts "may strain the city's ability to provide essential services," it said.

All this has greatly strained governments' ability to help.

That $5.4 billion payment will strain Westinghouse's ability to borrow.

Even in a country accustomed to violence and war, the coordinated campaign has strained people's ability to cope.

The thin margins also strain the company's ability to develop new products and features.

"If they continue to increase, it's going to strain our ability to handle them."