term limit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2formal, political, legal, administrative
Quick answer
What does “term limit” mean?
A legal restriction that limits the number of terms an individual may serve in a particular elected office.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A legal restriction that limits the number of terms an individual may serve in a particular elected office.
Any contractual or institutional rule that sets a maximum duration for holding a specific position, appointment, or role.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The concept and term are more central to American political discourse, given the constitutional term limits for the US presidency and many state offices. In British politics, the Prime Minister has no formal term limit, making the phrase less frequent in general political commentary, though used for local government or institutional roles.
Connotations
In US contexts, strongly associated with democratic principles, anti-incumbency, and preventing the consolidation of power. In UK contexts, often discussed regarding fixed-term parliaments, mayoralties, or specific public appointments.
Frequency
Significantly more frequent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “term limit” in a Sentence
[NOUN] has/have a term limit of [NUMBER][NOUN] is/are subject to term limits[AGENT] imposed term limits on [OFFICE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “term limit” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council voted to term-limit the committee chairs.
- He was term-limited after two full periods.
American English
- The state legislature term-limited the governor.
- She will be term-limited out of office next year.
adverb
British English
- The position is appointed term-limitedly, for five years only.
American English
- The office is filled term-limitedly, ensuring regular change.
adjective
British English
- The term-limit debate dominated the council meeting.
- They proposed a term-limit policy for trustees.
American English
- Term-limit laws vary from state to state.
- He is a strong term-limit advocate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for executive positions on corporate boards (e.g., 'The chairman is subject to a three-term limit.')
Academic
Analyzed in political science literature regarding governance, democracy, and institutional design.
Everyday
Discussed in news about politicians' careers (e.g., 'The mayor can't run again due to term limits.')
Technical
Precise legal or constitutional clause defining eligibility for re-election or reappointment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “term limit”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “term limit”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “term limit”
- Using 'time limit' interchangeably (a 'time limit' is for a task, not for holding office). Incorrect pluralisation: 'terms limit' instead of 'term limits'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, their prevalence varies greatly. They are a defining feature of US presidential elections but absent for UK Prime Ministers and many parliamentary systems.
Yes, it can apply to any role with a fixed maximum duration, such as the chairmanship of a university department, membership on a corporate board, or leadership in a non-profit organisation.
A 'term' is the fixed period for which someone is elected or appointed (e.g., a 4-year term). A 'term limit' is the rule that sets the maximum number of such terms one can serve.
Yes, particularly in American English. It functions as a verb-derived adjective (e.g., 'a term-limited mayor') meaning 'barred from re-election due to having served the maximum permitted terms'.
A legal restriction that limits the number of terms an individual may serve in a particular elected office.
Term limit is usually formal, political, legal, administrative in register.
Term limit: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɜːm ˌlɪm.ɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɝːm ˌlɪm.ɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hit one's term limit”
- “be term-limited out”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'term' as a period in office, and a 'limit' as a stop sign. A term limit is the stop sign that says 'You cannot serve another term.'
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL OFFICE IS A RACE WITH A FINISH LINE (you can only run the race a set number of times).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a term limit?