A limitation is something that restricts what you can do or how far you can go. Physical limitations might stop a swimmer from holding their breath for more than a minute underwater, or keep a basketball player from jumping high enough to dunk. Time limitations mean you only have a certain amount of time to finish a test or complete a project. Budget limitations restrict how much money you can spend on a birthday party or school supplies.

Every person, machine, and system has limitations. A bicycle has the limitation of requiring human power: you can't ride it if you're too tired to pedal. A calculator has limitations too: it can solve math problems quickly but can't write an essay or paint a picture. Even the fastest runners have limitations on how long they can maintain top speed.

Understanding limitations helps you work more effectively. If you know you have a one-hour time limitation for homework, you can plan accordingly. If you recognize a limitation in a subject like math, you can ask for help or practice more. The word often appears in the phrase know your limitations, which means understanding what you realistically can and cannot do. People who understand their limitations can work within them, find ways around them, or push to expand them through practice and effort.