What term describes a word free from limitations or qualifications?

The term that describes a word free from limitations or qualifications is "absolute." In literary criticism and broader language use, an absolute term is understood to mean something that is whole or complete, without any constraints or conditions that would otherwise qualify it. For instance, using "absolute" suggests a concept that is unquestioned or taken as a given, free from any nuances or exceptions that might come into play with other terms.

In contrast, the other terms mentioned have different implications. "Unique" often refers to something that is one of a kind, which implies a limitation due to its distinctiveness. "Perfect" suggests a flawlessness, which can be subjective and often involves qualifying what that perfection means in context. "Universal" typically refers to something that is applicable to all cases or situations, yet it can still be subject to certain interpretations or limitations based on context. Thus, "absolute" stands out because it conveys the meaning of being entirely unrestricted and unconditional.