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

Most bonus cards are redeemable for a limited time in the first few months of the new year. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 16 Dec. 2025

Directed by Scott Ellis, Art, translated by Christopher Hampton, opened at the Music Box Theatre on September 16; the limited engagement will end December 21. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 15 Dec. 2025

Goldman Sachs downgrades Arm to sell from neutral Goldman sees limited upside. —Michael Bloom, CNBC, 15 Dec. 2025

Springy sources the limited stock garments for PacSun. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 Dec. 2025

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