limitation

/ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌli-mə-ˈtā-shən/ (ame, mw)

limitation — 名詞

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

1.名詞B2
釋義

限制

設定上限或削減的行為

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

例句

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

Hari 主張，限制碳排放會減緩經濟成長。

pattern: limitation of + noun phrase

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

新法規嚴格限制了每戶家庭在旱季的用水量。

collocation: place a limitation on

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • expansion

    the opposite of reducing or controlling size or amount

  • freedom

    the absence of constraints or restrictions

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

❌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.名詞B2
釋義

缺陷；侷限

能力或品質上的不足

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

例句

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

儘管 Adina 才華洋溢，她很清楚自己在公開演講方面的侷限。

collocation: aware of one's limitations

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

當 Joaquín 試圖開著那輛舊廂型車爬上陡峭的山路時，車子的缺點就暴露了出來。

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • strength

    a positive quality that makes someone or something effective or skilled

  • advantage

    a beneficial feature that helps in a particular situation

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

❌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.名詞B2
釋義

限制條件

約束可能性的外部因素

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

例句

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

技術勞工不足是去年該工廠生產的主要限制條件。

collocation: limitation on production

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

時間限制意味著研究團隊只能在期限前訪問十五個家庭。

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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

❌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.名詞C1
釋義

訴訟時效

提起法律訴訟的法定期限

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

例句

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

律師提醒 Kwame，提出索賠的訴訟時效已經到期了。

collocation: statute of limitations expires

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

由於訴訟時效已過，警方無法再對該嫌疑人提出指控。

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.'