limited

1 of 2

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

limited

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of limit entry 2

Synonyms of limited

Adjective

• restricted
• finite
• defined
• definite

Examples of limited in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Intended for bars and restaurants with limited space, the dispenser holds up to 16 drink options, more than double the choices available in a traditional soda gun. — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026

That means limited liability alone is not enough, but merely providing services does not necessarily disqualify a partner from the exception either. — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

The workers will also have to contend with limited access to both buildings. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Since 2007, Japan has begun disclosing the names of those executed and some details of their crimes, but disclosures are still limited. — CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing limited

• limited-access
• limited edition
• limited government
• 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