Time-limited

Describing something that has a set or restricted duration; subject to an expiration date or a finite period of availability or functionality. It implies a constraint on how long something can be used, accessed, or applied. This term is commonly used in contexts such as promotions, offers, access to digital content, contracts, or therapeutic interventions. The key aspect of a time-limited item is its eventual cessation, demanding that action or engagement with the item occur within a specific window to benefit from it. The imposed constraint can be a deterrent or a motivator. Some use it to create urgency and encourage immediate decision-making.

Time-limited meaning with examples

• The online course offered a time-limited bonus, expiring in just one week. Enrollees had to complete the first module to access the exclusive extra content. This deadline motivated students to begin the course quickly and secure the added benefit within the stated window. The promotional offer's constraint created a sense of urgency.
• The software license was time-limited, expiring after one year. Before the expiry date, users needed to renew their subscription. This allowed the company to maintain ongoing revenue and provided users with an expectation of periodic renewal. Failing to renew meant loss of functionality for the user.
• The special discount was time-limited, ending at midnight. Shoppers had a small window to benefit from the price reduction. The limited availability of the savings spurred immediate purchases, increasing sales figures significantly for the retailer and creating more activity for the user.
• Patients in the study received time-limited psychotherapy sessions, lasting for 12 weeks. The sessions are designed to address problems in a defined timeframe, allowing both the therapist and the client to focus their efforts and monitor progress towards treatment objectives with a clear end point.
• The streaming service provided time-limited access to a selection of new movies. The short duration allowed the platform to rotate content and generate renewed user interest in new additions. Users either had to view the content in the given duration or lose the ability to access it. This provides freshness.