limited
LIHM-ih-tihd
Limited (adj) means Restricted in size, amount, or scope; not extensive. Example: “Because of limited funds, the club could only buy a few new balls.”
adj
1
Restricted in size, amount, or scope; not extensive.
"Because of limited funds, the club could only buy a few new balls."
"We have limited seating for tonight's show."
"His knowledge of French is fairly limited."
noun
1
A train service that stops only at a small number of stations.
"We caught the limited because it skips all the small stops along the way."
"The limited doesn't stop here, so wait for the next local."
"The limited gets you into the city much faster than the local."
How to use limited
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRestricted in some way — not much of something, or only stopping in a few places (for a train).
Common pairings
limited edition
limited time offer
limited liability
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Word forms
- Plural
- limiteds
- Comparative
- more limited
- Superlative
- most limited
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Because of _____ funds, the club could only buy a few new balls.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for limited
See all rhymes for limited →Frequently asked questions
What does “limited” mean?
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).
How do you pronounce “limited”?
“Limited” is pronounced LIHM-ih-tihd (/ˈlɪm.ɪ.tɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “limited” in a sentence?
Here is “limited” used in a sentence: “We have limited seating for tonight's show.”
What is another word for “limited”?
Words with a similar meaning to “limited” include finite.
What is the opposite of “limited”?
The opposite of “limited” — its antonyms — are boundless, endless, infinite and unlimited.
What part of speech is “limited”?
Depending on how it is used, “limited” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “limited” a common word?
“Limited” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “limited” have?
“Limited” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: restricted in size, amount, or scope; not extensive.
What is the difference between limited and unlimited?
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.
What is the difference between limited and restricted?
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.
Is 'limited' a positive or negative word?
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.
What does 'limited' mean in a company name, like 'Ltd'?
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.
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