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

• limitedness noun
• limitedly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of limited¹

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

Example Sentences

Mr Griffiths said treatment options for both adenomyosis and endometriosis had improved but there was limited diagnostic capability within the NHS.

From BBC

Adams, 32, did not practice Wednesday or Thursday and was scheduled to be limited Friday.

From Los Angeles Times

Wideout Ja’Kobi Lane is dealing with an upper body injury that limited him in practice this week, and his status is up in the air for Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times

Civil liberties groups argue that even a limited digital ID could pave the way for a more intrusive system, raising concerns about privacy, data security and government overreach.

From BBC

Since the bacteria are resistant to most antibiotics, treatment options are severely limited, leading to slower recovery and higher risk of serious complications or death, Gohil said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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