Limitation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌli-mə-ˈtā-shən/ lim·i·ta·tion

Meaning & Definition of Limitation

Limitation (noun)

  1. an act or instance of limiting
  2. the quality or state of being limited
  3. something that limits, restraint

Limitation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go

    "the bridge has a weight limitation that bars heavy trucks from crossing it"

    similar: bound, boundary, cap, ceiling, confines, end, extent, limit, line, termination
    related: extremity, fag end, terminus, border, brim, edge, margin, rim, verge, outside, bar, barrier, fence, hedge, restraint, stop, wall

  2. something that limits one's freedom of action or choice

    "the state has some fairly strict limitations on the sale and use of alcoholic beverages"

    similar: check, circumscription, condition, constraint, curb, fetter, restraint, restriction, stricture
    related: exception, proviso, qualification, reservation, stipulation, strings, ban, prohibition, proscription
    near: freedom, latitude

  3. the act or practice of keeping something (as an activity) within certain boundaries

    "the limitation on the number of vehicles allowed on the island does not sit well with year-round residents"

    similar: circumscription, confinement, rein, restriction, stint
    related: constraint, restraint, containment, isolation, segregation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Limitation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Limitation:

bound, boundary, cap, ceiling, confines, end, extent, limit, line, termination, check, circumscription, condition, constraint, curb, fetter, restraint, restriction, stricture, confinement, rein, stint

Related Words for Limitation

extremity, fag end, terminus, border, brim, edge, margin, rim, verge, outside, bar, barrier, fence, hedge, stop, wall, exception, proviso, qualification, reservation, stipulation, strings, ban, prohibition, proscription, containment, isolation, segregation

Near Antonyms of Limitation

freedom, latitude

Word Forms of Limitation

Derived words: limitational (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Limitation

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Limitation

Frequently Asked Questions about Limitation

What does "Limitation" mean?

"Limitation" means an act or instance of limiting. As a noun, it is defined as: an act or instance of limiting. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Limitation"?

Other words for "Limitation" include bound, boundary, cap, ceiling, confines, end, extent and limit. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Limitation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Limitation"?

There are 50 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Limitation". Common alternatives include bound, boundary, cap, ceiling, confines, end, extent, limit, line and termination.

How do you use "Limitation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Limitation" in a sentence: "the bridge has a weight limitation that bars heavy trucks from crossing it"; "the state has some fairly strict limitations on the sale and use of alcoholic beverages"; "the limitation on the number of vehicles allowed on the island does not sit well with year-round residents".

Is "Limitation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Limitation" is a noun.

Is "Limitation" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Limitation" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Limitation"?

"Limitation" is pronounced /ˌli-mə-ˈtā-shən/ and divided into syllables as lim·i·ta·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Limitation"?

First known use: 15th century.