limited

adjective

lim·​it·​ed ˈli-mə-təd How to pronounce limited (audio)
1
a
: confined within limits : restricted
limited success
b
of a train : offering faster service especially by making a limited number of stops
2
: characterized by enforceable limitations prescribed (as by a constitution) upon the scope or exercise of powers
a limited monarchy
3
: lacking breadth and originality
a bit limited; a bit thick in the headVirginia Woolf
limitedly adverb
limitedness noun

Examples of limited in a Sentence

Only a limited number of students will be allowed in the class. People with limited incomes are hit particularly hard by inflation. The company has had limited success.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The limited engagement is set to run through Jan. 4, 2026. Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2025 Measuring overstay rates has challenged experts for decades, but the government has made a limited attempt annually since 2016. Gisela Solomon, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025 During the presentation, SPA shared character animations for Will, whose slight frame and limited height sets him far apart from his roarball colleagues. Jamie Lang, Variety, 9 June 2025 With its future coverage options limited, Michigan State created a captive insurance company, Lysander Series, to provide general liability coverage. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for limited

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of limited was in 1583

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Cite this Entry

“Limited.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limited. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

limited

adjective
lim·​it·​ed
1
: held within limits
2
: having constitutional limitations placed on the exercise of power
a limited monarchy
limitedly adverb
limitedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on limited

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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