limitation

[lim-i-tey-shuhn]

noun

1. a limiting limiting condition; restrictive weakness; lack of capacity; inability or handicap.

   He knows his limitations as a writer.

2. something that limits; a limit or bound; restriction.

   an arms limitation; a limitation on imports.

3. the act of limiting. limiting.

4. the state of being limited. limited.

5. Law.,  the assignment, as by statute, of a period of time within which an action must be brought, or the period of time assigned.

   a statute of limitations.

limitation

/ ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. something that limits a quality or achievement

2. the act of limiting or the condition of being limited

3. law a certain period of time, legally defined, within which an action, claim, etc, must be commenced

4. property law a restriction upon the duration or extent of an estate

Other Word Forms

• nonlimitation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of limitation¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English lymytacion, from Latin līmitātiōn-, stem of līmitātiō “determination, enclosure within boundaries,” from līmitāt(us) “bounded, enclosed” (past participle of līmitāre “to bound, enclose within boundaries”; limit ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

Immune rejection has been one of the biggest limitations of cell-based therapies, often weakening their effectiveness.

Read more on Science Daily

It killed 12 people and destroyed 6,800 structures, revealing the limitations of Southern California’s urban water systems, which are designed to fight house fires, not wildfires that rage through entire neighborhoods.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Until now, there’s been a limitation: You actually had to get a good picture or video to win praise.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

If we understand the limitations of AI, perhaps it will provide useful data to consider in the mix as we make investment decisions.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But beware: Such a policy may have its own limitations, such as refunding only 50% to 75% of the trip costs.

Read more on MarketWatch