limited

[lim-i-tid]

adjective

1. confined within limits; restricted or circumscribed.

   a limited space; limited resources.

2. Government.,  restricted with reference to governing powers by limitations prescribed in laws and in a constitution, as in

3. characterized by an inability to think imaginatively or independently; lacking originality or scope; narrow.

   a rather limited intelligence.

4. Chiefly British.

   1. responsible for the debts of a company only to a specified amount proportionate to the percentage of stock held.

   2. (of a business firm) owned by stockholders, each having a restricted liability for the company's debts.

   3. (usually initial capital letter),  incorporated; Inc. Ltd.

5. (of railroad trains, buses, etc.) making only a limited number of stops en route.

noun

1. a limited train, bus, etc.

limited

/ ˈlɪmɪtɪd /

adjective

1. having a limit; restricted; confined

2. without fullness or scope; narrow

3. (of governing powers, sovereignty, etc) restricted or checked, by or as if by a constitution, laws, or an assembly

   limited government

4. (of a train) stopping only at certain stations and having only a set number of cars for passengers

5. (of a business enterprise) owned by shareholders whose liability for the enterprise's debts is restricted

noun

1. a limited train, bus, etc

Other Word Forms

• limitedly adverb
• limitedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of limited¹

First recorded in 1545–55; limit + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Fair use is a legal doctrine in U.S. copyright law that allows for the limited use of copyrighted materials without permission in certain cases, such as teaching, criticism and news reporting.

From Los Angeles Times

With limited use of first-team facilities, it is a lonely existence.

From BBC

Funds are available to nonprofit and for-profit developers, as well as community land trusts, limited equity housing co-ops, public entities and other organizations.

From Los Angeles Times

The walkout will begin on Sunday, when there will be limited service, with the advice to complete your journey by 18:00 BST.

From BBC

The invitee got a limited Prime account with the free two-day shipping perk.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• diminished 
• insufficient 
• minimal 
• narrow 
• poor 
• reduced 
• restricted 
• small