uhn-LIM-uh-tid
/əˈnlɪmətɪd/
unlimited is pronounced uhn-LIM-uh-tid (/əˈnlɪmətɪd/). Unlimited describes something without limits or bounds; boundless or infinite in extent. It is often used to indicate ample or unrestricted quantity, capacity, or scope. In everyday use, it can emphasize potential, opportunity, or freedom beyond constraints.
Unlimited describes something without limits or bounds; boundless or infinite in extent. It is often used to indicate ample or unrestricted quantity, capacity, or scope. In everyday use, it can emphasize potential, opportunity, or freedom beyond constraints.
"The charity offers unlimited access to resources for those in need."
"Scientists are exploring unlimited possibilities in quantum computing."
"Their contract includes unlimited data for the first year."
Pronounce it as /ˌʌnˈlɪmɪtɪd/. The syllable stress falls on the second syllable: un-LIM-i-ted. Start with a short, unstressed /ʌ/ as in 'cup', then move to a clear /l/ + /ɪ/ vowel in LIM, followed by /mɪ/ and a final /tɪd/ with light, quick transition and a soft /d/. In connected speech, the final /ɪd/ may be realized as [ɪd] or even [ɪt] in rapid speech.
Common errors include over-stressing the third syllable or treating -ed as a strong syllable rather than a light ending; another is merging LIM and i into a dull, clipped /lɪˈmɪtɪd/ without clear primary stress. Correct by ensuring the vowellization in LIM is crisp (/ɪ/) and that the final -ed is a light /ɪd/ or /d/ depending on speed. Practice with slow, deliberate articulation then speed up while keeping the secondary stress on LIM.
In US, UK, and AU, the primary stress remains on LIM. The /ʌ/ in first syllable is common across all; rhotics may influence preceding vowels in US accents (r-colouring). The /tɪd/ ending can become /tɪd/ or /tɪd/ with a slightly lighter /t/ in Australian speech. UK speakers may retain more released consonants in -ed, while US often flaps or t-voicing varies in rapid speech.
The difficulty centers on balancing three weak-to-stressed segments: an initial weak /ʌ/ (unstressed-like), a strong secondary stress on LIM, and a final unstressed -ed suffix that blends quickly in fluent speech. The tongue must shift quickly from a front-high /ɪ/ to a light alveolar /t/ and a voiced or devoiced ending. Mastery requires precise timing of vowel quality and consonant release, especially avoiding an overemphasized /t/ or a clipped final /d/.
A distinctive feature is the two strong syllables around the middle: un-LIM-it-ed. The middle vowel /ɪ/ in LIM is crucial—keep it crisp and not reduce it into a schwa. Also, the 't' in -t-'ed can be unreleased in fast speech, so you may hear /ˈlɪmɪd/ or /ˈlɪmɪt/ in very quick speech; maintain the subtle /t/ release for clarity in careful speech.
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Unlimited comes from the combination of the prefix un- (a Latin-derived negation meaning ‘not’ or ‘opposite of’) and the adjective limit (from Old French limite, from Latin limitum, ‘boundary, border’, related to limes, boundary). The sense development traces through English to mean ‘not subject to limit’ and ‘without any limit’. The modern form emerged in Early Modern English, with un- prefixed to limit, aligning with similar formations like unbounded and unlimited. First known use in print appears in the 17th century in philosophical and legal contexts, where concepts of unbounded rights or unlimited potential were discussed. Over time, the word broadened into common usage in technical, commercial, and everyday language to convey an absence of restrictive quantities, capacities, or constraints.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "unlimited" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "unlimited" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "unlimited"
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