Looking for synonyms for off limits? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say off limits.
- Forbidden
- Prohibited
- Restricted
- Taboo
- No-go
- Verboten
- Out of bounds
- Inaccessible
- Barred
- Banned
- Not allowed
- Off-limits
- Unapproachable
- Closed
- Excluded
- Sealed off
- Not open
- Impenetrable
- Inadmissible
- Unpermitted
Want to learn how to say off limits professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. Forbidden
Appropriate Use: Indicates something that is not allowed under any circumstances.
Example: “Access to the server room is strictly forbidden for non-IT personnel.”
2. Prohibited
Appropriate Use: Used when an action or entry is explicitly not allowed, often by law or regulation.
Example: “Smoking is prohibited within all company buildings.”
3. Restricted
Appropriate Use: Suitable for areas or information that is limited to certain people.
Example: “Entry to the research lab is restricted to authorized staff only.”
4. Taboo
Appropriate Use: Refers to something that is socially or culturally forbidden.
Example: “Discussing personal salaries is considered taboo in many corporate environments.”
5. No-go
Appropriate Use: Informal term for areas or subjects that should be avoided.
Example: “The topic of political affiliations is a no-go during office meetings.”
6. Verboten
Appropriate Use: A German term adopted into English, meaning strictly forbidden.
Example: “Using personal emails for work communication is verboten in our company.”
7. Out of Bounds
Appropriate Use: Refers to areas where people are not allowed to go.
Example: “The construction area is out of bounds for all employees due to safety concerns.”
8. Inaccessible
Appropriate Use: Used for areas that cannot be reached or accessed.
Example: “The old records room has been made inaccessible to most of the staff.”
9. Barred
Appropriate Use: Indicates that entry or participation is prevented.
Example: “He was barred from attending the meeting after the confidentiality breach.”
10. Banned
Appropriate Use: Suitable for something that is completely disallowed, often officially or legally.
Example: “The use of unlicensed software is banned in our IT policy.”
11. Not Allowed
Appropriate Use: A clear and straightforward way to indicate prohibition.
Example: “Personal use of the office internet is not allowed.”
12. Off-Limits
Appropriate Use: Typically used for areas or activities that are prohibited.
Example: “The rooftop is off-limits to staff due to safety regulations.”
13. Unapproachable
Appropriate Use: Refers to something that cannot or should not be approached or contacted.
Example: “The prototype in the development lab is unapproachable until the official testing phase.”
14. Closed
Appropriate Use: Indicates something that is not open to people.
Example: “The old wing of the building is closed for renovations.”
15. Excluded
Appropriate Use: Suitable for something or someone that is intentionally left out or omitted.
Example: “Visitors are excluded from entering the secure data storage area.”
16. Sealed Off
Appropriate Use: Refers to an area that has been securely closed or barricaded.
Example: “The contaminated section of the facility was sealed off for decontamination.”
17. Not Open
Appropriate Use: Used for places or events that are not available or accessible.
Example: “The employee lounge is not open after business hours.”
18. Impenetrable
Appropriate Use: Indicates an area that cannot be entered or penetrated, often due to security measures.
Example: “The vault is impenetrable to all but a few high-ranking officials.”
19. Inadmissible
Appropriate Use: Suitable for people or things that are not allowed entry.
Example: “Mobile phones are inadmissible in the high-security zones of the office.”
20. Unpermitted
Appropriate Use: Indicates something for which permission is not granted.
Example: “Unpermitted use of company vehicles for personal errands is a violation of our policy.”
