limited

adjective

lim·​it·​ed ˈli-mə-təd How to pronounce limited (audio)
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 headVirginia Woolf
limitedly adverb
limitedness noun

Example Sentences

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 The food menu is limited (small pizzas), but the cocktail menu definitely is not. Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2023 Given that, acid chemical rust removers are best limited to removing rust from bare iron and steel. Tony Carrick, Popular Mechanics, 23 Mar. 2023 The halal food options targets a hidden demographic of Muslim diners locally and also from other parts of the state where access to halal or zabiha halal dining is limited. Ridah Syed, Journal Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2023 Also, expect initial availability to be extremely limited. Howard Walker, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2023 Twitter’s content moderation team has been limited, and some brands have had to pull Twitter campaigns because of racist or violent replies. Jennifer Boeder, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2023 The number of cases produced is limited, and based solely on the amount of grapes that Mother Nature decides to deliver that vintage. Liz Thach, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2023 Musk’s concern with censorship has thus far been almost entirely limited to the right. Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 21 Mar. 2023 Spot are limited and will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'limited.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of limited was in 1583

Dictionary Entries Near limited

Cite this Entry

“Limited.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limited. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on limited

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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