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.
Until recently, however, this critical industrial software field in China had been dominated by Western companies, leaving local firms with limited room to maneuver. Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2025 But the recommendations still allowed full-contact practices two to three times a week and limited full-contact time to about 90 minutes per week. Alana Semuels, Time, 20 Oct. 2025 Camille Rowe reunited with Reformation for the brand’s latest collaboration with the French model and actress, introducing a new, limited-edition collection of feminine styles and sensual separates. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025 Most recently, Clarke has taken on the role of South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh for the limited series following the real-life Murdaugh family scandal inspired by Mandy Matney's popular Murdaugh Murders Podcast. Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 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 23 Oct. 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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