Definition of limitationnext
1
as in limit
a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go the bridge has a weight limitation that bars heavy trucks from crossing it

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2
as in restriction
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice the state has some fairly strict limitations on the sale and use of alcoholic beverages

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3
as in constraint
the act or practice of keeping something (as an activity) within certain boundaries the limitation on the number of vehicles allowed on the island does not sit well with year-round residents

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of limitation Despite these capabilities, the technology still faces limitations—early adopters report issues such as short battery life, overheating and discomfort during extended wear. Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026 Improved interaction in real-world conditions By combining capacitive touch and force sensing, the system addresses some limitations of traditional capacitive touch interfaces. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026 The one rule that was discussed and shut down was a proposal by the Cleveland Browns to allow teams to trade draft picks up to five years out from the current limitation of three years. Nick Harris april 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026 Another limitation is that SpaceX is only offering the promotion in areas where Starlink has excess network capacity. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for limitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limitation
Noun
  • There is a limit of one per customer.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Those include two counts of campaign contribution restriction/expenditure limits over donations to Beshear's reelection campaign, along with two counts of campaign contribution restriction/expenditure limits over donations to the Kentucky Democratic Party.
    Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Alarmed civic officials across the West have already begun ordering restrictions on watering lawns, cleaning cars and even whether restaurant patrons get served glasses of water.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Regional restrictions may apply.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Some of these clouds could be thick enough to trigger launch constraints.
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • While efforts to curb reliance on virgin synthetics have largely centered on recycled polyester, that approach has faced cost, feedstock and scaling constraints.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Limitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limitation. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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