limitation

noun

lim·​i·​ta·​tion ˌli-mə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce limitation (audio)
1
: an act or instance of limiting
2
: the quality or state of being limited
3
: something that limits : restraint
4
: a certain period limited by statute after which actions, suits, or prosecutions cannot be brought in the courts
limitational adjective

Examples of limitation in a Sentence

a law aimed at the limitation of federal power They have placed a limitation on the amount of time we have available.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The first limitation is probably not a big deal for most households, since 6GHz transmissions are really only useful when the router is in the same room as the client device connecting to it. Tom Brant, PCMAG, 19 Feb. 2025 Sundance is considering its own options beyond the physical limitations of charming but easily overwhelmed Park City, where the festival has been headquartered since its founding more than 40 years ago. David Bloom, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025 Trump has further escalated the limitations being placed on asylum claims, shutting down the CBP One app that allowed migrants to make appointments at crossings to ask for the status. Austin Denean, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2025 Will Rapp, managing director for the Kansas chapter of the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, said potential limitations to public employee’s ability to discuss social transitioning with children are among the most concerning elements of the bill. Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 18 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for limitation 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of limitation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near limitation

Cite this Entry

“Limitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limitation. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

limitation

noun
lim·​i·​ta·​tion ˌlim-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce limitation (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of limiting
2
: the quality or state of being limited
3
: something that limits

Legal Definition

limitation

noun
lim·​i·​ta·​tion
1
a
: restriction
a limitation on the rights of ownership
b
: a statement or stipulation in a deed or will placing limits on the disposition of an estate or interest especially in regard to duration or heirs see also word of limitation
2
: a certain period limited by statute after which actions or prosecutions cannot be brought in the courts see also statute of limitations

More from Merriam-Webster on limitation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!