limitation

noun

lim·​i·​ta·​tion ˌli-mə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce limitation (audio)
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 adjective

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 Due to the limitations of the IIHS’s tests, some of the systems the group examined have already been upgraded or replaced by a newer model. William Gavin, Quartz, 12 Mar. 2024 Further details on caps and limitations are available on the NYT website. USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2024 The City Council hasn’t yet specified what kind of restrictions will apply on which streets, but the limitations will range from two-hour parking to no parking during certain hours without a permit. Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2024 For example, take depression: While the rise of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the 1980s and 1990s seemed to provide a solution, seminal studies in the 2000s exposed fundamental limitations of our treatment options. Amit Etkin, STAT, 8 Mar. 2024 But Take Note The biggest limitation is that the gun blaster needs to be connected via a short wire to the vest receiver. Maya Polton, Parents, 7 Mar. 2024 The researchers behind the new report noted a few limitations. Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2024 If restrictions around embryos — whether narrow like in Louisiana or broader like in Alabama — grip other states, IVF clinics could face new limitations on where embryos can be stored and shipped. Anumita Kaur, Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2024 Review of consumer complaints and of the current market show that some people experience significant negative outcomes due to the technical limitations of chatbots functionality. John F. Wasik, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'limitation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of limitation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near limitation

Cite this Entry

“Limitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limitation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

limitation

noun
lim·​i·​ta·​tion ˌlim-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce limitation (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on limitation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!