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

Though she cherished her hometown, in letters to her friend Welty sometimes chafed at its limitations: In 1933, she listed her home address in correspondence to Lyell as “Loose Ends, Mississippi.”

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Tennessee competes, but the offensive limitations show up against faster, more disciplined defenses.

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Phil spokesperson told The Times that their ongoing funding challenges come from “fundraising limitations and rising operating costs,” while also maintaining their day-to-day operations, including free/low-cost community programs.

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The scientists are exploring ways to overcome these limitations.

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And despite that tool’s limitations, it’s good advice.

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