limitation

limitation — noun

1. the practice of setting a maximum level or range for something so that it cannot

1.nounB2
Definition

the practice of setting a maximum level or range for something so that it cannot grow or spread beyond that point

Example

Hari argued that the limitation of carbon emissions would slow down economic growth.

pattern: limitation of + noun phrase

New rules placed a strict limitation on how much water each household could use during the dry season.

collocation: place a limitation on

Common collocations
  • limitation of [something]
  • place a limitation on
  • set a limitation on
  • impose a limitation
  • without limitation
Synonyms
  • restriction

    slightly more direct and concrete; 'restriction' often refers to a specific rule, while 'limitation' can also refer to the act itself

  • curb

    stronger, with a sense of actively holding something back, often used in politics and economics

  • control

    broader in meaning; 'control' can include management and direction, not just setting an upper boundary

Antonyms
  • expansion

    the opposite of reducing or controlling size or amount

  • freedom

    the absence of constraints or restrictions

Grammar Patterns

the limitation of + noun phrase

a limitation on + noun phrase

Usage Note

Often appears with prepositions 'of' (focusing on the thing being limited) or 'on' (focusing on the rule that limits it). Frequently used in formal or official contexts such as government policy, legal documents, and international agreements.

Common Mistakes

The speed limitation on this road is 60 km per hour.
The speed limit on this road is 60 km per hour.
Use 'limit' (not 'limitation') for the numerical maximum or minimum value that is set.

2. a lack or weakness that stops someone or something from being as good at somethi

2.nounB2
Definition

a lack or weakness that stops someone or something from being as good at something as they could be

Example

Despite her many talents, Adina was aware of her own limitations as a public speaker.

collocation: aware of one's limitations

The old van's limitations became clear when Joaquín tried to drive it up the steep mountain road.

Common collocations
  • know one's limitations
  • physical limitations
  • technical limitations
  • personal limitations
  • aware of limitations
  • one limitation of
Synonyms
  • shortcoming

    more focused on failing to meet a standard; stronger judgment than 'limitation'

  • weakness

    more direct and common; 'weakness' suggests vulnerability, while 'limitation' suggests a boundary of capability

  • drawback

    emphasises a disadvantage or problem, often in practical use

Antonyms
  • strength

    a positive quality that makes someone or something effective or skilled

  • advantage

    a beneficial feature that helps in a particular situation

Grammar Patterns

someone's limitations

limitations of + noun phrase

one limitation of [something] is that...

Usage Note

Frequently plural (limitations) when describing general shortcomings or weak points. The singular form is more common when pointing out one specific flaw. Distinguish from sense 3: sense 2 focuses on an internal weakness or lack of ability inherent to the person or thing itself, whereas sense 3 describes external factors that restrict what is possible.

Common Mistakes

There is a limitation to how fast I can run.
There is a limit to how fast I can run.
Use 'limit' (the maximum point) rather than 'limitation' (the weak point/imperfection) when referring to a boundary or endpoint.
This machine has a limitation.
This machine has limitations.
When talking about general shortcomings, the plural form sounds more natural in English.

3. a specific external condition or circumstance that puts a boundary on what can b

3.nounB2
Definition

a specific external condition or circumstance that puts a boundary on what can be done, made, or achieved

Example

A shortage of skilled workers was the main limitation on the factory's production last year.

collocation: limitation on production

Time limitations meant that the research team could only interview fifteen families before the deadline.

Common collocations
  • time limitations
  • space limitations
  • budget limitations
  • age limitations
  • impose limitations on
  • face limitations
Synonyms
  • constraint

    very close in meaning but often suggests a more forceful or logical restriction; preferred in technical and business contexts

  • restriction

    suggests an official rule or regulation that limits, rather than a practical circumstance

  • obstacle

    something that blocks progress entirely, whereas a limitation merely sets a boundary

Antonyms
  • opportunity

    a situation that makes it easier to do something or achieve a goal

  • freedom

    the ability to act or make choices without external restrictions

Grammar Patterns

limitations on + noun phrase

[time/space/budget] limitations

impose limitations on

Usage Note

Commonly paired with nouns describing the type of constraint (time, space, budget, age, legal). Distinguish from sense 2: this sense describes external conditions that restrict possibilities, whereas sense 2 describes an inherent shortcoming of the person or thing itself. A 'time limitation' is an external limit on a schedule; a 'personal limitation' is an internal weakness.

Common Mistakes

We have limitation of budget this year.
We have budget limitations this year.
Use the attributive noun form ('budget limitations') rather than 'limitation of budget'; also, 'limitation' needs to be plural when referring to multiple constraints.

4. a law that sets a fixed period of time after an event (such as an accident, a cr

4.nounC1
Definition

a law that sets a fixed period of time after an event (such as an accident, a crime, or a broken agreement) during which someone can start a legal case

Example

The lawyer warned Kwame that the statute of limitations for filing the claim had already expired.

collocation: statute of limitations expires

Because of the statute of limitations, the police could no longer bring charges against the suspect.

Common collocations
  • statute of limitations
  • statute of limitations expires
  • statute of limitations runs out
  • within the statute of limitations
  • under the statute of limitations

Grammar Patterns

the statute of limitations

statute of limitations for + noun phrase

under the statute of limitations

Usage Note

Almost always used in the fixed phrase 'statute of limitations.' The length of the time period varies by country, state, and type of legal case (e.g., personal injury, contract disputes, criminal charges). This is a formal legal term rarely used in everyday conversation.

Common Mistakes

The statue of limitations has passed.
The statute of limitations has expired.
'Statute' (law) is easily confused with 'statue' (a stone or metal sculpture); the correct word is 'statute.' Also, use 'expire' or 'run out' rather than 'pass.'

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

All five words describe something imperfect or less than ideal, but they differ in scope and intensity. 'Limitation' is the broadest and most neutral — it simply marks a boundary of capability without strong judgment ('the limitations of the human brain'). 'Shortcoming' carries a more evaluative tone, suggesting a failure to meet a desirable standard, often in a person's character or performance ('his biggest shortcoming is impatience'). 'Weakness' is more direct and personal, implying vulnerability or a lack of strength ('a weakness in the team's defence'). 'Drawback' focuses on practical disadvantage in a specific use case rather than an inherent flaw ('the main drawback of living in the mountains is the long commute'). 'Flaw' suggests a defect or imperfection, often in a system, design, or argument ('a flaw in the software caused the crash'). In everyday use, choose 'limitation' for neutral descriptions of boundaries, 'weakness' for personal or physical shortcomings, and 'drawback' for weighing pros and cons of an option.

limitation ↗shortcoming ↗weakness ↗drawback ↗flaw ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • place a limitation on
  • impose limitations
  • set limitations
  • face limitations
  • without limitation
  • within limitations
  • know one's limitations

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'limitation' comes from Latin 'limitatio', meaning a bounding or fixing of boundaries, from the verb 'limitare' (to bound, to limit), which is derived from 'limes' (a boundary or border). It entered English through Old French 'limitation' in the 14th century, originally referring to a defined boundary or edge. By the 15th century it had taken on the broader meaning of a restriction or constraint. The legal sense ('statute of limitations') emerged in the mid-18th century, referring to the time boundary set by law.