limited

American  

[lim-i-tid] / ˈlɪm ɪ tɪd /

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.

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noun

1. a limited train, bus, etc.

limited British  

/ 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

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noun

1. a limited train, bus, etc

Other Word Forms

• limitedly
  adverb
• limitedness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of limited

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

Explanation

If your gift certificate is only good for a limited amount of time, you have a specific number of days in which you can use it. Limited means short, small, or restricted by specific rules. When a rock concert has a limited number of seats, you may not be able to count on sitting down for the show. Likewise, it's tricky to open a business in a city with a limited amount of retail space. The adjective limited, which comes from the verb limit, was originally used to describe certain train routes — a limited was a term for an express train the late 1800's.

Example Sentences

Chronic itch affects millions of people living with conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and kidney disease, but treatment options remain limited.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

Steve asks why my engagement is limited to decks—after all, the app includes a Community function.

From Slate • May 10, 2026

Many major medical societies say mail access makes reproductive health care safer and more equitable, especially for people of limited means or who live in rural areas far from clinics.

From Barron's • May 10, 2026

Showery rain will be limited to northern Scotland and perhaps the Channel Islands.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

Even with the correct raw materials available, Nhamo’s basket-making skills were limited.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer

Related Words

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