limited

Limited is a versatile term used as an adjective to denote that something is restricted in extent, amount, scope, or access. It indicates a cap or boundary, as in limited resources, a limited edition, or a person with limited mobility. In everyday use, it contrasts with the idea of being unlimited or unrestricted.

In business and law, Limited often appears as a formal designation in company names. In many Commonwealth countries, Ltd. (Limited) or Limited signifies a corporate form with limited liability, meaning shareholders are responsible only for their investment. Private limited companies (Ltd.) generally have restrictions on share transfers, while public limited companies (PLC) may offer shares to the public. The liability limitation applies to creditors and protects personal assets beyond the contributed capital.

Etymology: The word derives from Middle English and Old French limiter, from Latin limitare, meaning to bound or set a boundary. The form "limited" as a past participle adjective dates to Early Modern English and is used in a wide range of contexts.

Other common uses include limited editions in publishing or manufacturing, limited-time offers, or phrases such as "limited to" to denote constraints. In organizational forms, "limited partnership" and "limited liability partnership" refer to business structures that cap liability for certain participants while preserving other roles.