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

This is all down to memory-bandwidth limitations on the Nvidia cards, due to their 128-bit interface. —PCMAG, 25 Jan. 2025

There is a proposal on the table for an increase to a $750 million cap, but even that comes with significant limitations that exclude key parts of a production’s budget. —P.j. Byrne, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025

Panda problems and limitations In 1984, China began allowing its pandas to be hosted abroad in 10-year loan periods and required an annual fee ($1 million US dollars). —Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025

Defensively, there are still limitations because of his size and lack of foot speed. —Sam Vecenie, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025

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