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

Corporate America initially saw limited ramifications after the US Justice Department was forced to release some of the Epstein documents in late December. —Matt Egan, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026

Seating is limited, and early RSVP is encouraged. —Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026

The couple began dating four years later at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, which featured limited outside interaction due to COVID concerns. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026

Generally, limited ingredients are ideal. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 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