Word
disabled
Phoneticsdis·abled
US/dɪˈseɪbəɫd/
UK/dˌɪsˈeɪbəld/
Definitions
01having a physical or mental condition
B1 · Intermediate General-service
adj. having a physical or mental condition that makes it difficult to do some things that other people do.
adj. having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
“The hotel has several rooms specially designed for disabled guests.”
“The new legislation aims to improve accessibility in public transport for disabled commuters and those with limited mobility.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'disabled person' or collectively as 'the disabled'.
Pitfall
The disabled are waiting outside.
Disabled people are waiting outside.
While 'the disabled' is used collectively, many modern style guides prefer 'disabled people' or 'people with disabilities' to avoid defining people solely by their condition.
Teaching tip
In modern English, 'people with disabilities' is often preferred in formal or sensitive contexts to put the person before the condition.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02turned off or broken
B2 · Upper Intermediate Computing Technical
adj. describes a machine, a function, or a system that has been turned off or made unable to work.
adj. rendered inoperative or incapacitated; deprived of the ability to function.
“The 'Submit' button is disabled until you type your email address.”
“The security system was temporarily disabled by the technicians to allow for the installation of the new sensors.”
Usage
Commonly used in software interfaces to describe buttons or settings that cannot be clicked.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “disabled” in context.
Verb
01. become disabled
“Many veterans become disabled during their time in active service.”
verb + adj
02. remain disabled
“The security features will remain disabled until the system update is complete.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. disabled access
“The museum has improved its disabled access by installing new ramps and elevators.”
adj + noun
04. disabled parking
“You must display a valid permit to use the disabled parking spaces near the entrance.”
adj + noun
05. permanently disabled
“He was permanently disabled following a serious accident at the construction site.”
adv + adj
06. severely disabled
“The charity provides specialized care for children who are severely disabled.”
adv + adj
Noun
07. disabled toilets
“The shopping center has several disabled toilets located on the ground floor.”
adj + noun
08. facilities for the disabled
“The hotel offers excellent facilities for the disabled, including wider doorways.”
noun + prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“The scheme put disabled Australians and their families at the heart of the decision-making.” “It is inspired by disabled actor Keron Day, who also stars as himself, and gives his experiences with a line of personal assistants who provide live-in care.” “Summers are only going to get hotter."
For Doug, the issue is not only how disabled people cope with extreme weather, but whose experiences are considered when decisions are made about the future.” “Demand has grown fastest among working-age disabled adults who are largely missing from the public and political narrative.” Etymology
From disable + -ed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/disabled