# disabled

/dɪˈseɪbəɫd/ (US) · /dˌɪsˈeɪbəld/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 2. turned off or broken

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

made unable to work or operate.

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

- The alarm system was disabled while the builders were working on the house.
- The administrator confirmed that the user's account had been disabled following multiple failed login attempts from an unrecognised IP address.

### 3. people with disabilities

noun · CEFR B2

a group of people who have disabilities.

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

- The new law aims to provide better access to public transport for the disabled.
- Advocacy groups for the disabled argued that the proposed budget cuts would disproportionately affect those requiring specialised home care services.

## Examples

- The new building has better access for the disabled.
- The charity works to improve employment opportunities for the disabled in the local community.
- 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.

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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.