limitation
/lɪmɪˈteɪʃ(ə)n
/noun
1 (often limitations) A limiting rule or circumstance; a restriction: severe limitations on water use...
- All this bill represents is restrictive trade practice and limitations on entry to the industry.
- Britain's drinking problem is the latest in a list of excuses for prescriptive limitations on society.
- The situation changes when the rules of the game introduce limitations on available moves.
Synonyms
restriction, curb, restraint, constraint, control, check, clampdown;
hindrance, impediment, obstacle, obstruction, bar, barrier, block, deterrent, inhibition, damper, brake, rein
1.1A condition of limited ability; a defect or failing: she knew her limitations better than she knew her worth...
- Humility is in reality, a strength and involves acknowledging both our abilities and our limitations.
- The key to avoiding accidents is to be aware of what is going on around you to know the limitations and abilities of your vehicle and yourself.
- She recognized her limitations and failings and would mention them and make amendments.
Synonyms
imperfection, flaw, defect, failing, shortcoming, weak point, inability, incapability, deficiency, failure, incapacity, frailty, weakness;
disability, foible, vice, disadvantage, drawback;
British disbenefit
1.2 [mass noun] The action of limiting something: the limitation of local authorities' powers...
- First, the gender composition of the sample represents one limitation, in that relatively more women than men elected to respond to the survey.
- After achieving stable non-REM sleep, the CPAP was adjusted to the minimal level required to prevent flow limitation.
- The CPAP level required to prevent upper airway flow limitation can be substantially reduced when lung volume is increased.
2 (also limitation period) Law A legally specified period beyond which an action may be defeated or a property right does not continue. See also statute of limitations.This is by way of exception, for unless the court does make a direction the primary limitation period will continue to apply....
- There has been some doubt expressed in the past as to the existence of a limitation period for the tort of fraud or deceit.
- That case held that the motions judge made no error in concluding that the limitation period had run, given that the material facts were not in dispute.
Origin
Late Middle English: from Latin limitatio(n-), from the verb limitare (see limit).