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limitation

noun
lim·​i·​ta·​tion | \ ˌli-mə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce limitation (audio) \

Definition of limitation

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
Other Words from limitation Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about limitation

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Other Words from limitation

limitational \ ˌli-​mə-​ˈtā-​shnəl How to pronounce limitational (audio) , -​shə-​nᵊl \ adjective

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

 Segev reveals how all these quirks, flaws and limitations coexisted, not always easily, with the energy, resourcefulness and acute political skills Ben-Gurion honed to serve the goal of founding Israel. — Diane Cole, Washington Post, "In Israel’s founder, many contradictions but a single-minded determination," 6 Sep. 2019 The strictest limitations would be on direct donations to the son’s campaign account, which would be capped at $2,000. — Michael Levenson, BostonGlobe.com, "All in the family: Joe Kennedy II could boost Joe Kennedy III with old campaign cash," 6 Sep. 2019 They were asked to consider actions that would be feasible based on the school system’s financial limitations. — Catalina Righter, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "With behavior referrals on rise in Carroll elementary schools, task force presents findings, recommendations," 5 Sep. 2019 Though Lovullo hasn’t said it, Flores’ defensive limitations seemed to be the primary reason. — Nick Piecoro, azcentral, "Hot-hitting Wilmer Flores’ role could expand, says Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo," 4 Sep. 2019 Again, the limitations depend on your policy but many homeowners' policies typically help cover costs beyond just damage to a structure or belongings. — CBS News, "What homeowners should know about dealing with hurricane damage," 3 Sep. 2019 Considering these limitations, the safest bet would be to develop some new trades to ply in South Africa’s tourist beaches. — Annaliese Griffin, Quartzy, "Are great white sharks messing with us?," 1 Sep. 2019 The offense’s potential and current limitations were both on display Saturday. — Nathan Baird, cleveland.com, "Ohio State must build on defensive start from 45-21 victory over Florida Atlantic," 31 Aug. 2019 Super PACs can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money on behalf of federal candidates, but they are barred from coordinating spending decisions with those campaigns, among other limitations. — Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, "Pro-Trump PAC paid thousands to firm owned by campaign manager’s wife," 30 Aug. 2019

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

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First Known Use of limitation

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

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More Definitions for limitation

limitation

noun
How to pronounce limitation (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of limitation

: the act of controlling the size or extent of something : the act of limiting something
: something that controls how much of something is possible or allowed
: something (such as a lack of ability or strength) that controls what a person is able to do

See the full definition for limitation in the English Language Learners Dictionary

limitation

noun
lim·​i·​ta·​tion | \ ˌli-mə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce limitation (audio) \

Kids Definition of limitation

1 : an act or instance of controlling the size or extent of something
2 : something that controls size or extent

limitation

noun
lim·​i·​ta·​tion

Legal Definition of limitation

1a : 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

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More from Merriam-Webster on limitation

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with limitation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for limitation

Spanish Central: Translation of limitation

Nglish: Translation of limitation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of limitation for Arabic Speakers

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