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

Ramakrishnan noted that the survey isn’t conducted in Asian languages, posing a limitation in the data. —Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024

Weight limitations: Glass cooktops often have specific weight limits, and using multiple cast-iron pans may exceed those limits. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024

In Tolleson, voters decided on the Home Rule Option, which refers to how the city’s expenditure limitation is established. —Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024

Saturn encourages us to take accountability for our actions, face our limitations and build a solid foundation for the future. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 Nov. 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