B2 noun Neutral

restriction

/rɪˈstrɪk.ʃən/

A rule, law, or condition that limits what you can do or how something can be used. It often refers to official controls placed on actions, movements, or quantities to maintain order or safety.

Examples

3 of 5
1

There is a temporary speed restriction of 30 miles per hour due to the roadworks.

There is a temporary speed restriction of 30 miles per hour due to the roadworks.

2

The government has announced the lifting of the trade restriction between the two nations.

The government has announced the lifting of the trade restriction between the two nations.

3

My parents have a strict restriction on how much time I spend on my phone at night.

My parents have a strict restriction on how much time I spend on my phone at night.

Word Family

Noun
restriction
Verb
restrict
Adverb
restrictively
Adjective
restrictive
Related
restrictiveness
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Memory Tip

Look at the word 'strict' hidden inside re-STRICT-ion. A restriction is a strict rule that limits you.

Quick Quiz

Due to the drought, the local council has imposed a strict _______ on hosepipe usage.

Correct!

The correct answer is: restriction

Examples

1

There is a temporary speed restriction of 30 miles per hour due to the roadworks.

everyday

There is a temporary speed restriction of 30 miles per hour due to the roadworks.

2

The government has announced the lifting of the trade restriction between the two nations.

formal

The government has announced the lifting of the trade restriction between the two nations.

3

My parents have a strict restriction on how much time I spend on my phone at night.

informal

My parents have a strict restriction on how much time I spend on my phone at night.

4

The study was conducted with a geographical restriction to urban areas only.

academic

The study was conducted with a geographical restriction to urban areas only.

5

Budgetary restrictions have forced the department to cancel several upcoming projects.

business

Budgetary restrictions have forced the department to cancel several upcoming projects.

Word Family

Noun
restriction
Verb
restrict
Adverb
restrictively
Adjective
restrictive
Related
restrictiveness

Common Collocations

impose a restriction impose a restriction
lift a restriction lift a restriction
dietary restriction dietary restriction
place restrictions on place restrictions on
severe restriction severe restriction

Common Phrases

without restriction

without restriction

age restriction

age restriction

travel restriction

travel restriction

Often Confused With

restriction vs constraint

A restriction is usually a formal rule or law, while a constraint is often a physical or circumstantial limit that prevents action.

restriction vs limitation

Limitation often refers to a natural lack of ability or capacity, whereas restriction refers to a controlled or imposed limit.

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Usage Notes

The word is most commonly used with the preposition 'on' (e.g., restrictions on trade). To remove a restriction, the verb 'lift' is standard in formal contexts.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often use the preposition 'for' instead of 'on'. They also occasionally confuse the noun form 'restriction' with the adjective 'restrictive' when describing a rule.

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Memory Tip

Look at the word 'strict' hidden inside re-STRICT-ion. A restriction is a strict rule that limits you.

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Word Origin

From the Latin 'restrictio', derived from 'restringere', meaning 'to bind fast' or 'to draw tight'.

Grammar Patterns

countable noun (usually used in plural) prepositional phrase: restriction on + noun often follows verbs like 'impose', 'place', or 'lift'
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Cultural Context

In many Western cultures, 'dietary restrictions' is a standard term used when hosting events to accommodate allergies or religious requirements.

Quick Quiz

Due to the drought, the local council has imposed a strict _______ on hosepipe usage.

Correct!

The correct answer is: restriction

Related Words

proceed

C1

The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.

individual

C1

Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.

appropriately

B2

To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.

region

B2

A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.

resource

B2

A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

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