statute of limitations: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal legal register
Quick answer
What does “statute of limitations” mean?
A law that sets the maximum time period after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A law that sets the maximum time period after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated.
A statutory time limit for filing lawsuits or prosecuting crimes; a legal deadline after which a claim can no longer be brought to court, regardless of its merit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major conceptual differences; term is identical in both legal systems but specific time periods vary by jurisdiction and type of claim.
Connotations
Same formal, precise legal connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in UK and US legal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “statute of limitations” in a Sentence
The statute of limitations [verb: has run/expired] on [noun: the claim].[Noun: The claim] is barred by the statute of limitations.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “statute of limitations” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The limitation period commenced when the breach was discovered.
- The claim was statute-barred.
American English
- The statute began to run upon injury.
- The action is time-barred.
adverb
British English
- The claim was dismissed statute-barredly. (rare/awkward)
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The time-barred claim could not proceed.
- They raised a limitations defence.
American English
- The statute-barred debt was uncollectible.
- The limitations period had expired.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contracts, liability discussions, and risk management to define exposure periods.
Academic
Discussed in law schools, legal philosophy, and jurisprudence regarding fairness and finality.
Everyday
Rarely used outside legal discussions; may appear in news about historical cases or debt collection.
Technical
Precise legal term with jurisdiction-specific timeframes (e.g., 3 years for torts, 6 years for contracts).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “statute of limitations”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “statute of limitations”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “statute of limitations”
- Using plural 'statutes of limitation' (incorrect – 'limitations' is plural)
- Confusing with 'laches' (equitable doctrine, not statutory).
- Misplacing preposition: 'statute for limitations' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in certain circumstances such as if the defendant is a minor, is out of the jurisdiction, or if the harm was fraudulently concealed ('discovery rule'). This is called 'tolling'.
No. Time limits vary greatly depending on the jurisdiction (state/country) and the severity of the offence (e.g., murder often has no limitation period, while petty theft might have a short one).
A statute of limitations runs from the date of injury or discovery. A statute of repose runs from a specific event (e.g., date of product manufacture) and is absolute, regardless of when the injury occurs.
In many commercial contracts, parties can agree to a shorter limitations period than provided by law. However, they generally cannot agree to extend it beyond the statutory maximum.
A law that sets the maximum time period after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated.
Statute of limitations is usually formal legal register in register.
Statute of limitations: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstætʃuːt əv ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃənz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstætʃuːt əv ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃənz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The clock is ticking on the statute.”
- “Time-barred claim.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a STATUE with a clock inside, representing a fixed time LIMIT for legal action.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEGAL CLAIMS ARE PERISHABLE GOODS (they expire after a set time).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'tolling the statute of limitations' mean?