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.
But due to limited funding and disparate systems, data collection and analysis remain a challenge for most states. Jean Eddy, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 China is on a separate timeline for negotiating with the U.S., with its 90-day pause beginning May 14, though the two countries have already reached a limited deal. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 1 July 2025 For one, many states expanded vote by mail for health and safety reasons during the 2020 election, but some reverted back to more limited programs ahead of the 2024 election. Ashley Lopez, NPR, 1 July 2025 The Firework Frappuccino hits the menu for a limited time – just one week, ending Monday, July 7. Mike Snider, USA Today, 1 July 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 9 Jul. 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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