limited ability

[ˈlɪmɪtɪd əˈbɪləti]
noun phrasepl: limited abilities
capacidade limitada
1. restricted or insufficient skill, competence, or power to perform a task or function
Due to his limited ability in mathematics, he struggled with advanced calculus.
Devido à sua capacidade limitada em matemática, ele teve dificuldade com cálculo avançado.
2. a constraint or disability that prevents someone from doing something fully or effectively
The patient's limited ability to walk required the use of a wheelchair.
A capacidade limitada do paciente de caminhar exigiu o uso de uma cadeira de rodas.
3. reduced power or authority to act or make decisions
The manager has limited ability to approve expenses over a certain amount.
O gerente tem capacidade limitada para aprovar despesas acima de um certo valor.
This phrase is commonly used in both American and Brazilian contexts when discussing educational accommodations, workplace accessibility, legal capacity, and medical conditions. In Brazil, it's frequently encountered in educational settings when discussing special needs (educação especial) and in healthcare discussions about patient capabilities. In the USA, the term is often used in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) frameworks.
NYC Slang
can't hang / not firing on all cylinders / playing with half a deck
Synonyms / Sinônimos
restricted abilityreduced capacityimpaired abilitylimited capacityconstrained competence
Antonyms / Antônimos
unlimited abilityfull capacitycomplete abilityunrestricted powerproficiency

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
capacidade limitada
standard term used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
capacidade limitada / pouca capacidade
interchangeable with more colloquial 'pouca capacidade'
São Paulo
capacidade limitada
formal business usage common in corporate contexts
Portugal
capacidade limitada / competência reduzida
Portuguese variant may use 'competência reduzida' in legal contexts

Related Words

disabilityincapacitylimitationconstraintincompetence

Related Idioms & Phrases

have one's hands tied
be out of one's depth
not be up to the task
have limitations
can't cut the mustard
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