limited

adjective

lim·​it·​ed ˈli-mə-təd How to pronounce limited (audio)
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 headVirginia Woolf
limitedly adverb
limitedness noun

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
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.
There are about 10 speaking parts, limited locations, and a simple mystery that gets at the crux of how life under the corporation's thumb makes everyone—both humans and robots—vulnerable to harm. Rory Doherty, Time, 16 May 2025 Available for a limited time, Bojangles’ new Watermelon Sweet Tea blends the chain’s legendary iced tea—steeped the old-fashioned way, of course—with real watermelon juice to create a refreshing drink perfect for cooling down on hot summer days. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 16 May 2025 Millions of aging adults now live alone, with limited daily interaction or support. C.m. Rubin, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 In the impactful Netflix limited series, Graham stars as the father of a young boy accused of murder. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for limited

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of limited was in 1583

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Cite this Entry

“Limited.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limited. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on limited

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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