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REFERENCE

disability

n.
US //ˌdɪsəˈbɪɫɪti// UK //dˌɪsɐbˈɪlətˌi// dis·abil·i·ty
  1. 1 physical or mental condition (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Medicine

    a condition that limits a person's physical or mental abilities.

    a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

    Example

    The building was redesigned to make it easier for people with a physical disability to enter.

    Example

    The university provides specialized software and extra time during examinations for students with a documented learning disability.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'with' when referring to a person.
  2. 2 social/legal status (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Law

    the state of being disabled, especially when considered by the law or society.

    the state or condition of being disabled, often used in a legal or sociological context to discuss rights and accessibility.

    Example

    The law protects workers from being treated unfairly because of their disability.

    Example

    The legislation aims to eliminate discrimination by ensuring that disability does not prevent qualified candidates from seeking public office.

    Usage

    Commonly used as an uncountable noun in legal contexts.
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  1. 3 financial benefits (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    money paid by the government to people who cannot work because of a health condition.

    financial assistance or insurance payments provided to individuals who are unable to work due to a long-term illness or injury.

    Example

    After his back injury, he had to go on disability for six months.

    Example

    She was concerned that her return to part-time work might affect her eligibility for long-term disability payments.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'on disability' or 'collecting disability'.

    Teacher's tip

    In this sense, the word is used as a shorthand for 'disability benefits' or 'disability insurance'.
  2. 4 legal disqualification (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Technical Law

    a legal reason that prevents someone from doing something, like voting or signing a contract.

    a lack of legal qualification or a formal incapacity to perform a specific act.

    Example

    The judge ruled that the minor's age was a legal disability that prevented him from selling the property.

    Example

    The treaty specifies that any representative under a legal disability must be replaced by a court-appointed guardian for the duration of the negotiations.
Origin

Circa 1570 disable + -ity.

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