English Reference
adjective · noun

disabled

adj. · n.
US /dɪˈseɪbəɫd/ UK /dˌɪsˈeɪbəld/ dis·abled

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    adj.made unable to work or operate.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The administrator confirmed that the user's account had been disabled following multiple failed login attempts from an unrecognised IP address.

    deactivatedinoperativedisarmed
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a group of people who have disabilities.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    people with disabilities

Usage disabled people

The scheme put disabled Australians and their families at the heart of the decision-making.

BBC News· 12 Aug 2026

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.

The Guardian· 12 Aug 2026

From disable + -ed.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated