What does limitedly mean?
“Limitedly” is an adverb meaning “in a limited way” or “to a limited extent.” It describes an action, process, or condition that is restricted by amount, scope, time, availability, or some other boundary. For example, a programme described as being “limitedly funded” is funded only in part or on a restricted scale, while a practice “limitedly applied” is not introduced or used everywhere. The word is grammatically straightforward: it combines the adjective “limited” with the adverbial suffix “-ly,” preserving the final /d/ of “limited” before the suffix. Although its meaning is clear, “limitedly” is relatively uncommon in everyday English and can sound formal, technical, or slightly awkward. In many contexts, a more natural alternative is “in a limited manner,” “to a limited extent,” or simply “limited,” depending on the sentence. It should not be confused with the adjective “limited,” which describes a person, thing, or situation that has restrictions; “limitedly” modifies a verb or another adverbial expression and describes the manner or degree of an action.
adverbIn a limited or restricted manner; to a limited extent.
- In a limited or restricted manner; to a limited extent.
"The fund was limitedly allocated, with most grants going to projects already underway."
"The fund was limitedly allocated, with most grants going to projects already underway."
"The pilot scheme was limitedly applied, first in three districts and only later across the region."
“Limitedly” hides a Roman border inside it: its Latin ancestor, limes, meant a boundary—and, in Roman surveying, a road.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does limitedly come from?
“Limitedly” was formed within English by adding the suffix “-ly” to “limited.” “Limited” in turn comes from “limit,” a word borrowed from Old French limite, from Latin limitem, the accusative of limes, meaning “boundary” or “limit.” Its English relatives include “delimit,” “delimiter,” “delimitation,” and “limitation,” all developed from the same Latin terminology of bounds and boundaries.
How limitedly is actually used
Limitedly is grammatically standard but relatively uncommon in everyday English and can sound formal, technical, or slightly awkward. In many contexts, “in a limited way,” “to a limited extent,” or simply “limited” may sound more natural.
Easily confused with limitedly
Limited is an adjective describing a restriction, whereas limitedly is an adverb describing the restricted manner or extent of an action.