limitation
lih-mih-TAY-shuhn
Limitation (noun) means a restriction on what something can do or how far it can go; a shortcoming. Example: “The software has some limitations when handling large files.”
noun
1
A restriction on what something can do or how far it can go; a shortcoming.
"The software has some limitations when handling large files."
"One limitation of this phone is that its battery runs out quickly."
"Knowing your own limitations is an important part of being a good teacher."
2
Law: a fixed time period after which a legal claim can no longer be brought.
"The statute of limitations on the offense had already expired."
"The lawyer obtained impunity by dragging his obviously guilty client's case beyond the ten-year limitation."
"Her lawyer said the limitation period for the claim had run out."
"The court refused to hear the case because the limitation had passed."
How to use limitation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA restriction or weak point, or (in law) a time cutoff for filing a claim.
Common pairings
statute of limitations
know your limitations
a serious limitation
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Word forms
- Plural
- limitations
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The software has some _____ when handling large files.
Etymology
From Latin limitatio, built on limit plus -ation.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for limitation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for limitation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “limitation” mean?
The word “limitation” means a restriction on what something can do or how far it can go; a shortcoming. In plain terms, a restriction or weak point, or (in law) a time cutoff for filing a claim.
How do you pronounce “limitation”?
“Limitation” is pronounced lih-mih-TAY-shuhn (/lɪmɪˈteɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “limitation” in a sentence?
Here is “limitation” used in a sentence: “The software has some limitations when handling large files.”
What is the opposite of “limitation”?
The opposite of “limitation” — its antonyms — is limitlessness.
What part of speech is “limitation”?
“Limitation” is a noun.
Where does the word “limitation” come from?
The word “limitation” comes from Latin. From Latin limitatio, built on limit plus -ation.
Is “limitation” a common word?
“Limitation” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “limitation” have?
“Limitation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a restriction on what something can do or how far it can go; a shortcoming.
What is the difference between "limitation" and "restriction"?
"Limitation" typically describes an inherent shortcoming or constraint on what something can do, such as "the limitations of the software." "Restriction" more often refers to an externally imposed rule or control, though the two words overlap closely in everyday use.
What is the difference between a "limitation" and a "limit"?
A "limit" is a specific boundary or maximum point, while a "limitation" is the broader restriction or shortcoming that results from that boundary. For example, a speed limit is the number itself, while the limitation is the constraint it places on driving.
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