B2adjective1K

Limited

UK /["/ˈlɪmɪtɪd/"]/US /["/ˈlɪmɪtɪd/"]/

Definition

not very great in amount or extent

In simple words: Not enough or restricted in amount or number.

Examples

  • The exhibition has limited hours, so be sure to visit early.
  • She had limited experience in the field before taking on the project.
  • The company's resources are limited, which is why they cannot expand right now.
  • His understanding of the subject is limited, and he needs further training.
  • Due to limited seating, we advise booking your tickets in advance.
  • The impact of the program is limited, affecting only a small number of people.
  • The limited selection at the store did not meet my expectations.
  • He gave a limited response to the question, avoiding any specifics.
  • With limited access to technology, the students struggled to complete their assignments.
  • Her options were limited after the budget cuts were announced.

Usage notes

Use 'limited' to describe something that has restrictions, such as time, resources, or opportunities. It's appropriate in both written and spoken contexts, but can sound too formal for casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

limited + noun

Memory hint

Think of a limit on your speed when driving—a boundary you can’t go beyond.

Collocations

  • appear
  • be
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • in
  • to
  • appear
  • be
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • in
  • to

Synonyms

  • restricted
  • constrained
  • finite
  • bound
  • narrow

Antonyms

  • unlimited
  • boundless
  • infinite

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'restrictive' — they have different usages.
  • Using 'limited' as a stand-alone adjective without a noun can sound incomplete.
  • Don't mix up 'limited' with 'limiting' which implies causing confinement.