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

Hershberg said the limited number of tickets available to the general public often compounds the problem. — Sydney Goh, CNBC, 27 June 2026

Beyond the limited number of residences, a secure motor court ensures discretion for arrivals and departures. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 27 June 2026

Though all four candidates, when asked, pledged to serve a limited number of terms, their answers differed as to how many. — Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2026

This year feels like the first in a long time that limited series aren’t the shows driving the TV Zeitgeist. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 27 June 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