limitation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "limitation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing restrictions, constraints, or boundaries in various contexts, such as personal abilities, project scopes, or legal terms. Example: "One major limitation of the study is the small sample size, which may affect the validity of the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

With the limitation of the craft, you have to focus on a certain individual – otherwise it would become like a documentary".

The Guardian

For Australia, the lowest-ranked team in the World Cup, the natural assumption is that it will be an exercise in damage limitation.

The Guardian - Sport

The Client acknowledges that GNM does not represent or warrant that it owns the rights in the material contained in the Services (including, without limitation, any photographs, images, copy and advertisements) and it is the responsibility of the Client to obtain any necessary clearances.

The Guardian

A: This is covered in point (6) of the the Guardian website Terms and Conditions which states that by posting any text on the site you are agreeing to "grant us a non-exclusive, perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide licence to republish any material you submit to us in any format, including without limitation print and electronic format" Q: What is defined as off-topic?

The Guardian

There is also thought to be a limitation in studies that merely consider the total number of hours worked per week.

The Guardian - Money

I didn't hear any limitation argued here," he said.

The Guardian

If nothing else, this was a graphic indictment of the limitation placed on the number of laps completed by each driver during qualifying.

The Guardian - Sport

In a rapid damage limitation operation, Cameron's spin doctors said he had used the phrase before, as leader of the opposition, in remarks aimed either at Gordon Brown or David Miliband.

The Guardian

He survived not only the 6-3 debutle but an inconceivable 7-1 beating when the teams met again the following May in Budapest, where you might have thought that any half-decent manager would at least have devised a defensive strategy of damage limitation.

The Guardian - Sport

"The whole issue is if there's any limitation to the power of the federal government.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In a damage-limitation exercise, Mustapha Ben Jaafar, the head of the National Constituent Assembly, visited the school following the attack to express his "anger".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "limitations" in a report or analysis, be specific about the nature of the "limitation" and its potential impact. Provide context to help the reader understand the significance of the "limitation".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of minor "limitations". Clearly differentiate between significant "limitations" that could affect outcomes and those that have minimal influence.

Linguistic Context

The word "limitation" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a restriction, boundary, or shortcoming. As Ludwig AI states, it describes the act of limiting or the state of being limited. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "limitation" is a versatile noun used to denote restrictions, boundaries, or shortcomings across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and frequently used term, particularly in news, business, and scientific writing. When using "limitation", it's crucial to be specific about the nature and impact of the "limitation" while avoiding exaggeration. Alternative phrases like "restriction", "constraint", and "drawback" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts. Its presence in authoritative sources highlights its acceptance and importance in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restriction

Focuses more directly on the act of restraining or controlling something.

constraint

Highlights the idea of being held back or restricted by some force or factor.

drawback

Emphasizes the negative aspect or disadvantage of something.

shortcoming

Points out a deficiency or imperfection in something.

impediment

Suggests something that hinders progress or action.

deficiency

Indicates a lack or inadequacy in something.

handicap

Highlights a disadvantage that makes achievement more difficult.

qualification

Suggests a condition or reservation that limits the scope of something.

ceiling

Implies an upper limit or maximum level.

boundary

Focuses on the edge or limit of something, defining its scope.

FAQs

How can I use "limitation" in a sentence?

You can use "limitation" to describe a restriction or a shortcoming, such as "A key limitation of this study is its small sample size" or "The project's main limitation is the lack of funding".

What are some alternatives to the word "limitation"?

Some alternatives to "limitation" include "restriction", "constraint", "drawback", or "shortcoming depending on the specific context".

What is the difference between "limitation" and "restriction"?

"Limitation" generally refers to a condition that restricts something, while "restriction" implies a rule or regulation that limits something. A "limitation" can be inherent, while a "restriction" is usually imposed.

Is it correct to use "limitations" in the plural form?

Yes, "limitations" can be used in the plural form when referring to multiple "limitations" or when discussing "limitations" in a general sense. For example, "The study has several limitations".