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

• 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

Labor experts believe that the limited enforcement is largely due to limited resources. —Max Blau, ProPublica, 16 Sep. 2025

However, limited number of shows for the film did not help its cause at the box office. —Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

The Fall Fair Collection is available now for a limited time at participating shops, as well as for pickup and delivery through Krispy Kreme’s app and website. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025

If your phone bill feels painfully high or your upgrade options are too limited, T-Mobile’s brand-new offer is built to give you a fresh start. —PC Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025

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