Definition of limitationnext
1
as in limit
a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go the bridge has a weight limitation that bars heavy trucks from crossing it

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2
as in restriction
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice the state has some fairly strict limitations on the sale and use of alcoholic beverages

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3
as in constraint
the act or practice of keeping something (as an activity) within certain boundaries the limitation on the number of vehicles allowed on the island does not sit well with year-round residents

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of limitation Lynn took the disaster that was USC’s defense under Alex Grinch and turned it into a respectable outfit, albeit one with limitations. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 Another limitation, Kiluk says, is that researchers did not fully disentangle the role psychotherapy might have played in changing participants’ behavior. Humberto Basilio, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026 Document the data sources, assumptions, limitations and final rationale. Rabbi Yechezkel Moskowitz, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Some of the long time lag reflected the vagaries and limitations of travel in the mid-19th century, when moving family, servants, and belongings via horse and buggy in the winter months made a longer period necessary. Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for limitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limitation
Noun
  • Lichtenstein recommends supporting style exploration while still identifying realistic limits and slowing down big choices through compromise and open communication about why your teen wants to switch up their look.
    Liz Regalia, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The team—engineers, policymakers, and operators—solves for that specific limit, and the boundary moves.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Iranian lawmakers have drafted a bill to regulate traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, including restrictions on certain vessels and penalties for violators, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency.
    Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Russia -- one of the world's largest oil producers -- has introduced a swath of restrictions on petrol sales across the country, as Ukrainian strikes on its refineries, depots and logistics crimp domestic supply.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, teaching assistants were eventually eliminated due to budget constraints.
    Joshua Hong, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Focus Is About More Than Capital Industrial strategy is often discussed in financial terms, but money is only one constraint.
    Alex Krutz, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Limitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limitation. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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