limitation
UK: ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃən | US: ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃən
n. a restriction or boundary imposed on something
n. a weakness or lack of capacity
n. (law) a statutory period after which legal action cannot be taken
limitation = limit<boundary> + ation<noun suffix>
- limit: From Latin limes (boundary, threshold), later adopted into Old French as limite.
- ation: A suffix forming nouns of action or state (e.g., "creation," "education").
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to the Latin limes, meaning a physical or conceptual boundary (e.g., borders of land). Over time, limit evolved in Middle English to denote constraints, and the suffix -ation was added to form an abstract noun, emphasizing the act or condition of being restricted. The logic reflects a progression from concrete (physical borders) to abstract (rules or weaknesses).
The study acknowledges the limitation of its small sample size.
There’s a limitation on how much luggage you can carry.
His stubbornness is his greatest limitation.
The contract includes a limitation of liability clause.
The statute of limitations expired, barring further legal action.