limiting factor
A 'limiting factor' refers to a condition or element that restricts the performance, growth, or efficiency of a system, organism, or process.
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Definition
B2Ecology
(scientific, academic)A resource or environmental condition that restricts the growth, abundance, or distribution of organisms in an ecosystem.
Example
- Water scarcity is a limiting factor for plant growth in arid regions.
- Sunlight acts as a limiting factor for algae in deep ocean waters.
C1Management
(business, technical)A constraint that prevents a business from achieving higher profitability or efficiency.
Example
- Limited production capacity was the limiting factor in meeting the increased demand for the product.
- The company's growth was hampered by a limiting factor in its supply chain.
B2General Systems
(general, technical)An element or condition that restricts the performance, growth, or output of any system.
Example
- In project management, lack of skilled labor can be a limiting factor.
- Identifying the limiting factor is crucial for improving system efficiency.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "limiting factor":