limited

The word “limited” means restricted in size, amount, or scope; not extensive. In plain terms, restricted in some way — not much of something, or only stopping in a few places (for a train).

“Limited” is pronounced LIHM-ih-tihd (/ˈlɪm.ɪ.tɪd/ in IPA).

Here is “limited” used in a sentence: “We have limited seating for tonight's show.”

Words with a similar meaning to “limited” include finite.

The opposite of “limited” — its antonyms — are boundless, endless, infinite and unlimited.

Depending on how it is used, “limited” can be an adjective and a noun.

“Limited” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Limited” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: restricted in size, amount, or scope; not extensive.

Limited means there is a cap or boundary: a limited number of seats, limited time, limited choice. Unlimited means there is no such restriction, as with an unlimited data plan. One sets a clear ceiling on size, amount, or scope; the other removes it entirely.

They are close, but restricted suggests deliberate control or rules that hold something back, like restricted access. Limited simply means small in size, amount, or scope, whether by choice or circumstance, as in limited supplies. Restricted implies a barrier imposed; limited often just describes how little there is.

It depends on context. Often it is neutral or mildly negative, suggesting something is lacking, as in limited options. But it can be positive in marketing, where a limited edition feels exclusive and desirable. The word itself simply means restricted; the tone comes from what is being limited.

In Limited, or Ltd, the word refers to limited liability: the owners' financial responsibility is capped at what they invested, protecting personal assets if the business fails. This is a specific legal use, related to the ordinary meaning of restricted but applied to how much risk shareholders carry.