limited

adjective

lim·​it·​ed ˈli-mə-təd 

1

a

: confined within limits : restricted

limited success

b

of a train : offering faster service especially by making a limited number of stops

2

: characterized by enforceable limitations prescribed (as by a constitution) upon the scope or exercise of powers

a limited monarchy

3

: lacking breadth and originality

a bit limited; a bit thick in the head

—Virginia Woolf

limitedly adverb

limitedness noun

Synonyms

• bounded
• circumscribed
• defined
• definite
• determinate
• finite
• measured
• narrow
• restricted

Examples of limited in a Sentence

Only a limited number of students will be allowed in the class.

People with limited incomes are hit particularly hard by inflation.

The company has had limited success.

Recent Examples on the Web

For a limited time, new users can score a 1-year subscription for just $39.99 (reg. —Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 28 May 2025

Still, access is limited, and many patients struggle to obtain prescriptions through the NHS. —Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

Pedro Pascal is strategically pursuing another Emmy, but his limited screen time undoubtedly presents a challenge. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 28 May 2025

But with all that charm comes higher rent, and competition for limited housing can be quite stiff. —Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing limited

• limited-access
• limited edition
• limited liability
• limited liability partnership
• limited partner
• limited partnership
• limited war
• self-limited
• sex-limited

Rhymes for limited

• delimited
• unlimited

Kids Definition

limited

adjective

lim·​it·​ed

1

: held within limits

2

: having constitutional limitations placed on the exercise of power

a limited monarchy

limitedly adverb

limitedness noun