Limited

ˈlɪmɪtɪd

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonQuantity
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Restricted in amount, number, degree, or extent.

ˈlɪmɪtɪd

adjectiveneutralBeginner
Quantity

Restricted in amount, number, or extent.

There's a limited supply of tickets available.

💡 Simply: Like when you only have a certain amount of candy you can eat, or when your friend is only allowed to play for a set amount of time. It means there's not a lot of something or it's controlled.

👶 For kids: Not a lot of something; there's a certain amount.

More Examples

2

The limited edition book is highly sought after.

3

Due to a limited budget, we had to postpone our trip.

How It's Used

Business

"The company has a limited budget for marketing."

Science

"The study had a limited sample size."

Everyday Life

"We have a limited time to finish the project."

2

Denoting a company whose shareholders' liability is limited to the amount of their investment.

ˈlɪmɪtɪd

adjectiveformalmedium
Legal

Having a legal status that restricts the liability of owners or shareholders.

The business is a limited company, protecting the owners' assets.

💡 Simply: When a business is 'limited,' it means the owners aren't responsible for all the company's debts. Their personal money is safe. It's like a superhero with a limited amount of power.

👶 For kids: When a company's owners don't have to pay everything if the company loses money.

More Examples

2

He invested in a limited liability partnership.

3

The limited status offers protection from lawsuits.

How It's Used

Business

"The company is a limited liability company (LLC)."

Legal

"Shareholders in a limited company are only liable for their investment."

Tip:Think 'limited liability' – the company's financial risk is kept in check.

Idioms & expressions

Limited edition

Produced in a small quantity, often for special occasions or to appeal to collectors.

"The limited edition watch is a collector's item."

Limited Liability

A legal structure for a business entity where the owners are not personally liable for the debts of the business.

"Limited liability is an important feature of most modern business organizations."

From Latin limitatus, past participle of limitare ('to bound, restrict'), from limes ('boundary, border').

The word 'limited' has been used since the 14th century, originally from the Latin root, and evolved from the idea of setting boundaries and restrictions.

Memory tip

Think of a boundary or fence – it limits the space within.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"boundary, border"

limited editionlimited resourceslimited accesslimited budgetlimited time

Common misspellings

limitted

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written