limited

1 of 2

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

limited

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of limit entry 2

Synonyms of limited

Adjective

• restricted
• finite
• defined
• definite

Examples of limited in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

An interim government overhaul of long-standing vaccine procurement processes may have limited stockpiles, Faizullah says. — Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 18 Sep. 2026

Stegra also highlighted that near-zero emission steel will initially be available at limited volumes and in few locations. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026

Otherwise, the new guidelines mostly conform to medical standards, including acknowledging the limited benefits of replacing the hormone. — ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026

Long snapper Tucker Addington remains limited with a shoulder injury. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing limited

• limited-access
• limited edition
• limited government
• 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