English Reference

Word

disabling

Phoneticsdis·abling

US/ˌdɪˈseɪbɫɪŋ/

UK/dˌɪsˈeɪblɪŋ/

Definition

adj. making someone or something unable to work or move normally. It describes a condition or event that stops you from doing your usual activities.

adj. causing a loss of function or ability; rendering a person or system ineffective. Often used to describe medical conditions or technical failures that prevent normal operation.

Examples

“The athlete suffered a disabling injury during the final game.”

“The software update contained a bug that had a disabling effect on the entire network.”

“Chronic pain can be a disabling condition that requires not only medical intervention but also significant lifestyle adjustments to manage daily tasks.”

Examples

simple

“The athlete suffered a disabling injury during the final game.”

contextual

“The software update contained a bug that had a disabling effect on the entire network.”

complex

“Chronic pain can be a disabling condition that requires not only medical intervention but also significant lifestyle adjustments to manage daily tasks.”

Usage

Often used attributively before a noun to describe injuries, illnesses, or technical faults.

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference