ENGLISH
REFERENCE

disabled

adj. · n.
US //dɪˈseɪbəɫd// UK //dˌɪsˈeɪbəld// dis·abled
  1. 1 turned off or broken (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    made unable to work or operate.

    rendered inoperative or incapacitated; frequently used in technical contexts regarding security or mechanical systems.

    Example

    The alarm system was disabled while the builders were working on the house.

    Example

    The administrator confirmed that the user's account had been disabled following multiple failed login attempts from an unrecognised IP address.
  2. 2 people with disabilities (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a group of people who have disabilities.

    a collective noun referring to people with disabilities as a group; typically preceded by the definite article 'the'.

    Example

    The new law aims to provide better access to public transport for the disabled.

    Example

    Advocacy groups for the disabled argued that the proposed budget cuts would disproportionately affect those requiring specialised home care services.
    • people with disabilities
Origin

From disable + -ed.

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