limitation
/ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌli-mə-ˈtā-shən/ (ame, mw)
limitation — noun
1. the practice of setting a maximum level or range for something so that it cannot
the practice of setting a maximum level or range for something so that it cannot grow or spread beyond that point
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
The council voted to set a limitation on the number of food stalls at the night market.
Without any limitation on spending, the school renovation quickly went far over budget.
The treaty called for the limitation of nuclear weapons in both countries.
- 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
文法句型
the limitation of + noun phrase
a limitation on + noun phrase
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
2. a lack or weakness that stops someone or something from being as good at somethi
a lack or weakness that stops someone or something from being as good at something as they could be
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.
A limitation of the free photo editor is that it adds a watermark to every image you save.
Nora knew her physical limitations well and chose not to enter the full marathon race.
One limitation of Dr. Okafor's study on sleep quality is that it only looked at people living in one city.
- 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
文法句型
someone's limitations
limitations of + noun phrase
one limitation of [something] is that...
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
3. a specific external condition or circumstance that puts a boundary on what can b
a specific external condition or circumstance that puts a boundary on what can be done, made, or achieved
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.
Space limitations in the old school building made it impossible to add another science laboratory.
Budget limitations forced Élise to choose between hiring new staff and upgrading the computer system.
The charity faced severe limitations on how its donations could be used under the grant agreement.
- 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
- 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
文法句型
limitations on + noun phrase
[time/space/budget] limitations
impose limitations on
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
4. a law that sets a fixed period of time after an event (such as an accident, a cr
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
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.
The judge dismissed the case because the statute of limitations had run out two years earlier.
Under the statute of limitations, victims of fraud in this state have six years to file a lawsuit.
文法句型
the statute of limitations
statute of limitations for + noun phrase
under the statute of limitations
用法筆記
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.