limitation

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noun lim·i·ta·tion \ˌli-mə-ˈtā-shən\

Definition of limitation

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

play \ˌli-mə-ˈtā-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

See limitation defined for English-language learners

See limitation defined for kids

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 of limitation from the Web

Such alleged crimes face no statutes of limitation.

— The Economist, "A long reckoningBNP Paribas faces accusations over the Rwandan genocide", 5 July 2017
There are stricter limitations on abortion rights in Northern Ireland, unlike the rest of the U.K., and some Tories supported an amendment to give Northern Irish women free abortions in England.

— alex morales, Bloomberg.com, "May Survives Key Parliament Vote After Abortion Concession", 29 June 2017
Loudoun Adult Day Centers For seniors with physical limitations or memory loss, a safe and social environment, therapeutic activities, individualized care and respite for caregivers.

— Washington Post, "Health calendar for Loudoun and Fauquier counties", 26 June 2017
Yet, popular culture has rarely, if ever, narrated a nuanced disabled female protagonist free from the limitations of pity, inspiration porn, or insulting humour.

— sinéad burke, Teen Vogue, "What It’s Like to Live in a World Not Designed For You", 21 June 2017
Though the singer seemed to be trying to illustrate the limitations often forced upon those in the public eye, some took offense at the quote—and took to Twitter to let Lorde know.

— chelsea stone, Glamour, "Lorde Apologizes for Comparing Her Celebrity Friendships to an Autoimmune Disease", 20 June 2017
Whether the president understands those limitations, and is constrained by them, remains to be seen.

— isobel thompson, The Hive, "Why Trump’s Latest Power Play Is a Recipe for Disaster", 14 June 2017
America’s military believes the war is winnable, if only Presidents Bush and Obama’s limitations on time and troops were lifted.

— kori schake, The Atlantic, "Trump Is Destroying His Own Administration's Policies", 10 June 2017
The situation isn’t improved by the limitations of an after-school program equipped to accommodate 120 of the elementary school’s more than 800 students.

— jeff caplan, star-telegram, "Life on Las Vegas Trail: Drugs, guns, abuse — and a sliver of hope", 2 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'limitation'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of limitation

15th century

LIMITATION Defined for English Language Learners

limitation

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noun

Definition of limitation for English Language Learners

: the act of controlling the size or extent of something : the act of limiting something
: something that controls how much of something is possible or allowed
: something (such as a lack of ability or strength) that controls what a person is able to do

LIMITATION Defined for Kids

limitation

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noun lim·i·ta·tion \ˌli-mə-ˈtā-shən\

Definition of limitation for Students

1 : an act or instance of controlling the size or extent of something
2 : something that controls size or extent

Law Dictionary

limitation

noun lim·i·ta·tion

Legal Definition of limitation

1a : 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