limited

/ˈlɪmədəd/

/ˈlɪmɪtɪd/

Other forms: limiteds

If your gift certificate is only good for a limited amount of time, you have a specific number of days in which you can use it. Limited means short, small, or restricted by specific rules.

When a rock concert has a limited number of seats, you may not be able to count on sitting down for the show. Likewise, it's tricky to open a business in a city with a limited amount of retail space. The adjective limited, which comes from the verb limit, was originally used to describe certain train routes — a limited was a term for an express train the late 1800's.

Definitions of limited

1. adjective

   subject to limits or subjected to limits
   synonyms: circumscribed

   restricted

   subject to restriction or subjected to restriction
2. adjective

   not unlimited
   “a limited list of choices”

   synonyms:

   finite

   bounded or limited in magnitude or spatial or temporal extent
3. adjective

   including only a part
   synonyms:

   incomprehensive, noncomprehensive

   not comprehensive
4. adjective

   small in range or scope
   “limited war”

   “a limited success”

   “a limited circle of friends”

   synonyms:

   minor, modest, pocket-size, pocket-sized, small, small-scale

   limited in size or scope

   narrow

   limited in size or scope

   narrow

   not wide

   antonyms:

   unlimited

   having no limits in range or scope

   bottomless

   having no apparent limits or bounds

   oceanic

   resembling the ocean in apparent limitlessness in extent or degree

   untrammeled, untrammelled

   not confined or limited
5. adjective

   having a specific function or scope
   synonyms: special

   specific

   (sometimes followed by `to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique
6. adjective

   mediocre
   synonyms: modified

   qualified

   limited or restricted; not absolute
7. adjective

   not excessive
   synonyms:

   moderate

   being within reasonable or average limits; not excessive or extreme
8. noun

   public transport consisting of a fast train or bus that makes only a few scheduled stops
   synonyms: express

   type of:

   public transport

   conveyance for passengers or mail or freight