limited

[lim-i-tid]

adjective

1. confined within limits; restricted or circumscribed.

   a limited space; limited resources.

2. Government.,  restricted with reference to governing powers by limitations prescribed in laws and in a constitution, as in

3. characterized by an inability to think imaginatively or independently; lacking originality or scope; narrow.

   a rather limited intelligence.

4. Chiefly British.

   1. responsible for the debts of a company only to a specified amount proportionate to the percentage of stock held.

   2. (of a business firm) owned by stockholders, each having a restricted liability for the company's debts.

   3. (usually initial capital letter),  incorporated; Inc. Ltd.

5. (of railroad trains, buses, etc.) making only a limited number of stops en route.

noun

1. a limited train, bus, etc.

limited

/ ˈlɪmɪtɪd /

adjective

1. having a limit; restricted; confined

2. without fullness or scope; narrow

3. (of governing powers, sovereignty, etc) restricted or checked, by or as if by a constitution, laws, or an assembly

   limited government

4. (of a train) stopping only at certain stations and having only a set number of cars for passengers

5. (of a business enterprise) owned by shareholders whose liability for the enterprise's debts is restricted

noun

1. a limited train, bus, etc

Other Word Forms

• limitedly adverb
• limitedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of limited¹

First recorded in 1545–55; limit + -ed ²

Example Sentences

And in recent weeks, he has continued to expand the measures, despite polls indicating relatively limited public support.

From BBC

A ruling at the Supreme Court in August limited the breadth of these cases.

From BBC

Each performance is limited to seven guests, who are encouraged to dress in vintage attire.

From Los Angeles Times

After the Woolsey fire, investigators found that staff shortages limited participation in emergency management training and hindered a unified approach.

From Los Angeles Times

But when he left school, his mother struggled to get him access through the NHS and believed without it, his life would be limited.

From BBC

Related Words

• diminished 
• insufficient 
• minimal 
• narrow 
• poor 
• reduced 
• restricted 
• small