limitation

noun

lim·​i·​ta·​tion ˌli-mə-ˈtā-shən 

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

ˌli-mə-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• bound
• boundary
• cap
• ceiling
• confines
• end
• extent
• limit
• line
• termination

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

But the current legislative inspector general, who took over from Pope nearly three years ago, told the Tribune these limitations haven’t been a problem. —Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 15 Dec. 2024

There are also limitations because of battery life. —Asuka Kawanabe, WIRED, 14 Dec. 2024

And in that respect, there are limitations on what the show — and what Fallon — can and will do. —Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024

Of course the lure as well as the limitation is that Werther is a puppyish manchild, enamored with his own bag of tricks. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

limitation

noun

lim·​i·​ta·​tion ˌlim-ə-ˈtā-shən 

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