Words / B1

lim-i-TAYSHUN/ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃn/

A limitation is a restriction or a weakness: a limitation on hours; the limitations of the study. Limit is the verb and a simpler noun (a time limit). Restriction is close. Do not confuse limitation with imitation (a copy). In research, limitations of the study is a set phrase.

Meaning

A rule or fact that restricts what you can do; also a weakness.

Examples

• “There is a limitation on how many hours students may work.”
• “There is a legal limitation on how long agency staff may stay.”
• “Honesty about the limitations of the data made the essay stronger.”

Good to know

a limitation on + noun; limitations of a study. Simpler noun/verb: limit. Close: restriction. Mix-up: imitation.

Near in meaning

restriction

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