# rate limiting

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rate-limiting
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a way to control how often someone can use a service or website in a certain amount of time. It stops people or computers from making too many requests at once.

For teachers: the process of controlling the rate of traffic sent or received by a network interface or service. Often implemented as a security measure to prevent resource exhaustion or abuse by limiting the number of requests a user can make within a specific timeframe.

## Examples

- The website uses rate limiting to prevent hackers from guessing passwords.
- After I refreshed the page too many times, the server's rate limiting blocked my access for ten minutes.
- Effective rate limiting is essential for maintaining API stability, as it ensures that no single client can monopolize system resources or inadvertently trigger a denial-of-service event through excessive automated calls.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in technical and computing contexts; often functions as a compound noun or a gerund phrase.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.