limitation

noun

lim·​i·​ta·​tion ˌli-mə-ˈtā-shən 

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

ˌli-mə-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of limitation

• limit
• confines

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

However, the new deduction limitation on top-earning individuals now applies to trusts and estates, according to a footnote in the Joint Committee on Taxation's recent tax explainer, better known as the Bluebook. —Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 4 June 2026

And much of the export revenue upside isn’t actually reaching the Kremlin’s coffers, because the limitations on fuel exports have forced the government to pay billions of dollars in compensation to refinery owners. —Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 4 June 2026

This is problematic because communicating uncertainties, limitations, and open questions is essential for maintaining public trust. —Mohammad Hosseini, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026

Breakthroughs for commercial implementation A foundational mechanism to bypass these limitations was demonstrated in 2025 by a research group from the Illinois Institute of Technology and Argonne National Laboratory. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for limitation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

limitation

noun

lim·​i·​ta·​tion ˌlim-ə-ˈtā-shən 

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