lim ‧ i ‧ ta ‧ tion W3 /ˌlɪməˈteɪʃ ə n, ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃ ə n/ BrE AmE noun
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ limit , ↑ limitation , ↑ delimitation ; adjective : ↑ limited ≠ ↑ unlimited , ↑ limiting , ↑ limitless ; verb : ↑ limit , ↑ delimit ]
1 . [uncountable] the act or process of controlling or reducing something
limitation to
Any limitation to the king’s power could be permanent.
a nuclear limitation treaty
⇨ damage limitation at ↑ damage 1 (3)
2 . [countable usually plural] qualities that stop someone or something from being as good or as effective as you wish they could be SYN weakness
limitation of
Despite the limitations of the survey, it did suggest some general trends.
It’s a good little car, but it has its limitations.
3 . [uncountable and countable] a rule or condition that stops something from increasing beyond a particular point
limitation on/upon
a limitation on the number of hours children can work
put/place/impose limitations
The new law imposes limitations on campaign contributions.
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COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ verbs
▪ have limitations
The system does have its limitations.
▪ place limitations on something
Spending limitations have been placed on the council's housing budget.
▪ impose limitations on something (=an emphatic way of saying to place limitations on something)
The government has imposed severe limitations on the types of food that can be imported.
▪ overcome limitations ( also transcend limitations formal ) (=do more than you would normally be able or allowed to do)
Can men and women ever transcend the limitations of their roles?
▪ know/recognize limitations (=know what your qualities or abilities will allow you to do)
Know your limitations, and don't exercise too hard or you'll get injured.
▪ accept the limitations of something
Take pride in your achievements, but accept your limitations.
▪ expose/reveal/show something's/somebody's limitations (=show where something or someone is not very good)
The film shows his limitations as a actor.
■ adjectives
▪ severe/serious/important limitations
This approach to the problem has serious limitations.
▪ inherent limitations formal (=limitations that are a natural part of something)
We recognize the inherent limitations of our research.
▪ technical limitations
This odd effect on the film results from technical limitations in the video equipment.
▪ physical limitations
He has physical limitations which prevent him from lifting heavy objects.
▪ practical limitations
Practical limitations, such as a shortage of equipment, may prevent them from achieving their goal.
▪ legal limitations (=limitations because of law)
Certain legal limitations are placed on the scope of Parliament's power.