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 of limited

• restricted
• finite
• defined
• definite

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

The president's decision to address the nation comes as public support for the conflict appears limited. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026

And since individual airfares tend to be driven by what the market will stand rather than the actual cost of flying, the airlines’ ability to raise fares is more limited than most people realize. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026

Rare Character is known for high-proof, limited-release bourbons and ryes that have gained a strong following among collectors. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026

With Gallery Night on the horizon, there are far more exhibitions than this limited roundup can capture. —Anya Sesay, jsonline.com, 1 Apr. 2026

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