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Meaning & use

limited

adjective·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈlɪmɪtɪd/
US/ˈlɪmɪtɪd/

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparable

    Small in amount, size or range, and not enough to do everything one might want.

    Grammar: Can follow be or come before a noun: limited space, space is limited.

    Patterns

    • limited to something
    • limited in something

    We have limited space in the kitchen, so we only keep the basics.

    Her knowledge of French is limited to a few polite phrases.

    Funds are limited this year, so the trip may be cancelled.

  2. adjectivebefore a noun

    Made or available in only a small number, or only for a short period.

    Grammar: Comes before the noun: a limited edition, a limited offer.

    Patterns

    • limited edition
    • limited offer
    • limited run

    The band released a limited edition of the album on vinyl.

    This limited offer ends on Friday.

    The play had a limited run of six weeks.

  3. adjectiveafter a verbBritishbusiness

    Describing a company whose owners are responsible for its debts only up to the money they put in.

    Grammar: Usually placed after the company name, often as the abbreviation Ltd.

    Patterns

    • private limited company
    • public limited company

    She registered her bakery as a private limited company.

    The firm became a public limited company last year.

    Smith and Daughters Limited was founded in 1950.

Word forms

comparativemore limited
superlativemost limited

Common combinations

limited edition
He queued overnight for a limited edition sneaker.
limited time
The sale is on for a limited time only.
limited resources
The clinic works with limited resources.
limited company
They turned their small shop into a limited company.
limited to
Seating is limited to fifty guests.
limited success
The new policy has had limited success so far.

Synonyms and how they differ

restricted
Restricted implies that rules or authorities hold something back, while limited can simply describe a small amount.
scarce
Scarce is about things that are hard to find, whereas limited can also describe a fixed cap that someone has set.
narrow
Narrow describes a small range of ideas or experience, and is more critical than limited when used about a person's views.
finite
Finite is more technical and stresses that something has an end, not that there is too little of it.

Opposites

unlimitedextensiveabundant

Word family

limit noun
a point that cannot be passed
limit verb
to keep within a certain amount
limitation noun
a restriction or weakness
limitless adjective
without any limit
unlimited adjective
without restriction

Commonly confused: limited or limiting?

limited vs limiting

Limiting describes something that holds you back, as in a limiting belief, while limited describes something that is small or restricted.

Practice

Tickets for the concert are ___ to four per customer.

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