Limitation vs. Constraint: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Limitation is a restriction or boundary, often inherent or imposed, on the scope of a process or activity. Constraint is a limitation or restriction, often external, on someone's actions or on a process.
Key Differences
A Limitation refers to an inherent or internal boundary that restricts capabilities or possibilities, while a Constraint typically implies an external restriction or condition that limits freedom of action.
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Limitations can be natural, such as physical limitations, whereas Constraints are often imposed by external factors, like regulations or resources.
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In the context of problem-solving, a Limitation might be the inherent features of the problem, whereas a Constraint could be the specific requirements or rules that must be adhered to.
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Limitations often define the extent to which something can be done, while Constraints set the parameters within which an action must be performed.
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In engineering, a Limitation might refer to the capabilities of a material, whereas a Constraint could refer to design specifications that must be met.
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Limitation and Constraint Definitions
Limitation
A condition that restricts full realization.
His physical limitation didn't deter him from participating in the race.
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Constraint
A limitation or restriction.
The constraints of the law must be respected.
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Limitation
An inherent boundary in a process or system.
Every software has its own limitation in terms of functionality.
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Constraint
External factors limiting options.
Time constraints often affect the quality of work.
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Limitation
A restriction on the extent of something.
The limitation of our budget restricts how much we can invest.
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Constraint
A condition that confines or restricts freedom.
Budget constraints limited the scope of the project.
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Limitation
The state of being limited.
The project faced a limitation in terms of time.
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Constraint
A force that compels adherence to limits.
The constraints of society can influence individual behavior.
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Limitation
A defect or shortcoming in something.
The major limitation of the study was its small sample size.
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Constraint
A restriction imposed by circumstances.
Due to logistical constraints, the event was rescheduled.
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Limitation
The act of limiting or the state of being limited
He was very successful in his limitation of salt intake.
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Constraint
The threat or use of force to prevent, restrict, or dictate the action or thought of others.
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Limitation
A limiting rule or condition; a restriction
Are there any limitations on the agreement?.
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Constraint
The state of being restricted or confined within prescribed bounds
Soon tired of the constraint of military life.
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Limitation
A shortcoming or defect
We need to overcome our limitations if we want to succeed.
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Constraint
One that restricts, limits, or regulates; a check
Ignored all moral constraints in his pursuit of success.
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Limitation
(Law) A period established by statute during which a lawsuit or criminal prosecution must be initiated.
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Constraint
Embarrassed reserve or reticence; awkwardness
"All constraint had vanished between the two, and they began to talk" (Edith Wharton).
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Limitation
A restriction; a boundary, real or metaphorical, caused by some thing or some circumstance.
Getting into his wheelchair after his amputation, it felt like a limitation you could roll in.
He understood the exam material, but his fear was a limitation he could not overcome.
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Limitation
An imperfection or shortcoming that limits something's use or value.
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Limitation
(law) A time period after which some legal action may no longer be brought.
The lawyer obtained impunity by dragging his obviously guilty client's case beyond the ten-year limitation.
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Constraint
(mathematics) A condition that a solution to an optimization problem must satisfy.
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Limitation
The act of limiting; the state or condition of being limited; as, the limitation of his authority was approved by the council.
They had no right to mistake the limitation . . . of their own faculties, for an inherent limitation of the possible modes of existence in the universe.
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Constraint
(databases) A linkage or other restriction that maintains database integrity.
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Limitation
That which limits; a restriction; a qualification; a restraining condition, defining circumstance, or qualifying conception; as, limitations of thought.
The cause of error is ignorance what restraints and limitations all principles have in regard of the matter whereunto they are applicable.
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Constraint
The act of constraining, or the state of being constrained; that which compels to, or restrains from, action; compulsion; restraint; necessity.
Long imprisonment and hard constraint.
Not by constraint, but by my choice, I came.
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Limitation
A certain precinct within which friars were allowed to beg, or exercise their functions; also, the time during which they were permitted to exercise their functions in such a district.
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Constraint
The state of being physically constrained;
Dogs should be kept under restraint
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Limitation
A limited time within or during which something is to be done.
You have stood your limitation, and the tribunesEndue you with the people's voice.
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Constraint
A device that retards something's motion;
The car did not have proper restraints fitted
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Limitation
A certain period limited by statute after which the claimant shall not enforce his claims by suit.
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Constraint
The act of constraining; the threat or use of force to control the thoughts or behavior of others
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Limitation
A principle that limits the extent of something;
I am willing to accept certain restrictions on my movements
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Limitation
The quality of being limited or restricted;
It is a good plan but it has serious limitations
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Limitation
The greatest amount of something that is possible or allowed;
There are limits on the amount you can bet
It is growing rapidly with no limitation in sight
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Limitation
(law) a time period after which suits cannot be brought;
Statute of limitations
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is a limitation always internal?
A limitation can be internal or inherent, such as physical or natural limits.
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Is a physical handicap a limitation or constraint?
A physical handicap is generally considered a limitation.
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Can constraints be beneficial?
Yes, constraints can provide structure and help focus efforts.
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Are limitations always negative?
Not necessarily, limitations can sometimes lead to creative solutions.
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Are time limits considered constraints?
Yes, time limits are common examples of constraints.
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Can limitations be overcome?
Some limitations can be overcome with innovation or technology.
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Do limitations apply to individuals or groups?
Limitations can apply to both individuals and groups.
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Do constraints influence project management?
Constraints significantly influence the planning and execution of projects.
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Can a constraint be self-imposed?
Yes, constraints can be self-imposed, like setting personal deadlines.
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Are financial budgets constraints?
Yes, financial budgets are typically viewed as constraints.
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Can technology reduce limitations?
Technology can often help reduce or overcome certain limitations.
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Can limitations lead to innovation?
Often, limitations can stimulate creativity and lead to innovative solutions.
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Are social norms constraints?
Social norms can act as constraints on behavior.
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Are legal regulations constraints?
Yes, legal regulations are examples of constraints.
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Can environmental factors be a limitation?
Yes, environmental factors can act as limitations.
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Are constraints always externally imposed?
Most constraints are external, but some can be internal, like personal standards.
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Can psychological factors be a limitation?
Yes, psychological factors can serve as limitations.
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Is a deadline a limitation or a constraint?
A deadline is typically considered a constraint.
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Is lack of knowledge a limitation?
Lack of knowledge is generally seen as a limitation.
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Can constraints vary by context?
Yes, constraints can vary greatly depending on the specific context.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
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