Definition
To try too hard to achieve a particular effect, often resulting in an unnatural or artificial impression.
刻意刻藏
The actor always strains for effect during his performance, which makes it seem unnatural.
這位演員在表演時總是刻意做作，讓人感覺很不自然。
The language in this essay is too ornate; it's clearly straining for effect.
這篇文章的語言過於華麗，明顯是在刻意追求效果。
His exaggerated gestures during the speech made it seem like he was just straining for effect.
他在演講時誇張的動作讓人覺得他只是在刻意做作。