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

The limitations of global models are becoming more apparent with the rise and everyday acceptance of global generative AI models. —Michael Roytman, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

His most simplistic films are criticized for giving heroes too much credit for reaching bare minimum levels of empathy far too late in life, while his best works showcase our capacity for prejudice so fully that its limitations and shortcomings are placed on full display. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 28 Oct. 2024

The plan was to host the international festival every three years, but given the COVID-19 limitations in 2021, the theater company decided to celebrate the decade mark as well. —Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024

Among the service pricing changes were additional limitations imposed by the guidelines that have aggravated location budgets. —Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Oct. 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