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

Marked down to $72 from their usual $140 cost, the easy kicks are nearly half off for a limited time. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 4 July 2026

The decline is offering motorists some relief after weeks of pressure at the pump, though the break remains limited. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2026

Not much separated these two teams over 90 minutes, with limited attacking impetus and much of the game being played in midfield. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Reservations are recommended and parking can be a challenge, with limited spaces available in the dedicated lot. — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 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