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

Massive snow banks, often piled high in urban areas, make already-scarce parking even more limited. —Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026

But there’s another member of the animal kingdom that’s in the spotlight during this year’s Super Bowl, thanks to limited-edition fan merchandise from the singer and the NFL. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 4 Feb. 2026

Colorado and Washington also have approved limited financial assistance for some ACA enrollees, according to a KFF analysis. —Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026

The Standard-Performance NED is available now in limited quantities. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Feb. 2026

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