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

Lots has been said about Moore’s performance, about how the movie’s message dovetails so perfectly with Hollywood’s real deleterious limitations on aging actresses and the suffering that causes, Moore being a prime victim. —Valerie Monroe, Allure, 3 Mar. 2025

Many borrowers are trying to enroll in the IBR plan, the only option not directly impacted by the court order, to continue progressing toward student loan forgiveness on IDR repayment terms or PSLF, given the ongoing SAVE plan forbearance and the new limitations placed on the ICR and PAYE plans. —Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025

Despite their limitations, electric weed eaters are better for the environment and quieter than gas weed eaters. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025

The lawsuit brought forward by attorneys general from Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington argues the orders violate the Fifth Amendment’s equal protection clause and the Tenth Amendment’s limitations on federal authority over state medical practices. —Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for limitation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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