# disability

/ˌdɪsəˈbɪɫɪti/ (US) · /dˌɪsɐbˈɪlətˌi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disability
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. physical or mental condition

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The building was redesigned to make it easier for people with a physical disability to enter.
- 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. social/legal status

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

### 3. financial benefits

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

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

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

Teaching tip: In this sense, the word is used as a shorthand for 'disability benefits' or 'disability insurance'.

### 4. legal disqualification

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

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

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

- The judge ruled that the minor's age was a legal disability that prevented him from selling the property.
- The treaty specifies that any representative under a legal disability must be replaced by a court-appointed guardian for the duration of the negotiations.

## Examples

- The building has ramps to help people with a physical disability.
- The new law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for any employee with a documented disability.
- Social models of disability argue that people are disabled by barriers in society, such as lack of physical access or negative attitudes, rather than by their medical conditions alone.

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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.