Ltd
2 synonyms for Ltd, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Abbreviation — Limited: placed after a company name in the UK and many Commonwealth countries to show that it is a private limited company, whose owners are not personally liable for its debts beyond what they have invested.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
limited company
private limited company
How to use Ltd
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Ltd company
private Ltd
registered as Ltd
Formal and legal; always follows the company name and is capitalised.
Etymology
An abbreviation of "limited", short for limited liability.
Full origin of Ltd →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Ltd and PLC?
Both are limited companies, but an Ltd is private: its shares cannot be offered to the general public and it usually has a small number of shareholders. A PLC is public, can sell shares on an exchange, and faces higher minimum capital and stricter reporting requirements.
What is the difference between Ltd and LLC?
They are the equivalent forms in different countries. Ltd is the British and Commonwealth private limited company; LLC is the American limited liability company. Both shield owners from personal liability, but they differ in how they are taxed and governed.
Does Ltd need a full stop?
Modern British style writes it without one — "Harper Joinery Ltd". Older and some Commonwealth conventions use "Ltd." with a full stop. Whichever you choose, match the spelling registered with the company itself.
