limitation

noun

lim·​i·​ta·​tion ˌli-mə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce limitation (audio)
Synonyms of limitationnext
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
limitational
ˌli-mə-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce limitation (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of limitation

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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
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.
Transplants of muscle stem cells are a promising avenue for research, having distinct advantages over other tissues in their ability to encourage the growth of new blood vessels and limitations on rapid growth. — Mike McRae 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026 Osorio’s move being an initial loan with an obligation to buy if certain criteria are met is another example of the club working around the financial limitations that were a consequence of UEFA’s rules. — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Steinem would eventually help launch New York magazine in 1968, but the limitations placed on her journalism helped push her toward activism. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 3 Sep. 2026 Speeding up experimental work This assembly line setup solves a major engineering limitation in fusion research. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for limitation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of limitation was in the 15th century

Rhymes for limitation

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Browse Nearby Words

limitary
limitation
limitative
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Cite this Entry

“Limitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limitation. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

limitation

noun
lim·​i·​ta·​tion ˌlim-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce limitation (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of limiting
2
: the quality or state of being limited
3
: something that limits

Legal Definition

limitation

noun
lim·​i·​ta·​tion
1
a
: 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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