limitation

noun

lim·​i·​ta·​tion ˌli-mə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: an act or instance of limiting

2

: the quality or state of being limited

3

: something that limits : restraint

4

: a certain period limited by statute after which actions, suits, or prosecutions cannot be brought in the courts

limitational

ˌli-mə-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of limitation

• limit
• confines

Examples of limitation in a Sentence

a law aimed at the limitation of federal power

They have placed a limitation on the amount of time we have available.

Recent Examples on the Web

This may mean that information on the capabilities and limitations of updates are delivered to all users via YouTube–like tutorials and new, highly effective AI prompts are shared and stored via GitHub-like knowledge repositories. — Emelia S. Probasco, Foreign Affairs, 20 Aug. 2026

Rather than reflecting genuinely absent enzymes, these gaps could simply mirror methodological limitations in the phylogenetic reconstruction that prevented the identification of all the original ancient enzymes in bacterial and archaean lineages. — Philip Ball, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026

Though hailed as a significant step, the new film sweeteners had some key limitations. — Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

In terms of procurement, infrastructural and market limitations do not incentivize the use of certified or recyclable materials. — Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for limitation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

limitation

noun

lim·​i·​ta·​tion ˌlim-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act or an instance of limiting

2

: the quality or state of being limited

3

: something that limits

Legal Definition

limitation

noun

lim·​i·​ta·​tion

1

a

: restriction

a limitation on the rights of ownership

b

: a statement or stipulation in a deed or will placing limits on the disposition of an estate or interest especially in regard to duration or heirs see also word of limitation

2

: a certain period limited by statute after which actions or prosecutions cannot be brought in the courts see also statute of limitations