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disabled

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //dɪˈseɪbəɫd// UK //dˌɪsˈeɪbəld// dis·abled Dialect General-service

n. people who have a physical or mental condition that makes it harder to do certain activities. It is usually used with 'the' to talk about this group of people as a whole.

n. people who have physical or mental impairments that limit their movements, senses, or activities. Used as a collective noun phrase, 'the disabled', though modern professional and legal contexts often prefer person-first language like 'people with disabilities'.


SIMPLE

The new building has better access for the disabled.

CONTEXTUAL

The charity works to improve employment opportunities for the disabled in the local community.

COMPLEX

Legislation enacted in the late twentieth century mandated that public infrastructure be redesigned to accommodate the disabled, ensuring equitable access to transportation and government services.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From disable + -ed.

Usage

Used as a collective noun with the definite article 'the'. In many modern contexts, it is considered more polite or precise to use the phrase 'people with disabilities' instead.

Pitfall

He is a disabled.He is disabled.When referring to one person, use 'disabled' as an adjective, not a noun.

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