ENGLISH
REFERENCE

handicap

n. · v.
US //ˈhændiˌkæp// UK //hˈændɪkˌæp// hand·i·cap
  1. 1 a general disadvantage (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    something that makes it difficult for you to do something or succeed.

    a circumstance or condition that hampers or hinders progress or success.

    Example

    Not being able to speak the local language was a major handicap during his business trip.

    Example

    The lack of reliable high-speed internet in rural areas remains a significant handicap for small businesses trying to compete in the global market.
  2. 2 sports scoring (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    an advantage or disadvantage given to players in a game to make the competition fair.

    an allowance of time, distance, or points granted to a weaker competitor, or a penalty imposed on a stronger one, to equalise chances of winning.

    Example

    He has a golf handicap of ten, which allows him to compete against more experienced players.

    Example

    In horse racing, a handicap is often applied by requiring faster horses to carry additional weight to ensure a more competitive field.
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  1. 3 physical or mental disability (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.

    a physical or mental disability that restricts a person's ability to perform tasks. This term is increasingly replaced by 'disability' in modern contexts.

    Example

    The building was renovated to make it easier for people with a physical handicap to enter.

    Example

    Social policies have shifted from viewing a physical handicap as a personal tragedy to seeing it as a matter of accessibility and civil rights.

    Usage

    Usually countable when referring to a specific condition.

    Teacher's tip

    This term is now considered dated or offensive by many people when referring to individuals; 'disability' is the preferred modern term in professional and social settings.
  2. 4 to place at a disadvantage (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to make it difficult for someone to do something or to be successful.

    to place someone or something at a disadvantage; to encumber or hinder.

    Example

    The team was handicapped by the sudden injury of their best player.

    Example

    The company was severely handicapped by a lack of investment capital during its first three years of operation.
  3. 5 to predict a winner (v.)
    C2 Proficiency American English Technical Sport

    to predict who will win a race or game based on their past performance.

    to analyse and predict the outcome of a sporting event, especially for the purpose of betting.

    Example

    He spends his weekends handicapping horse races at the local track.

    Example

    Professional analysts spend hours handicapping the upcoming tournament, taking into account everything from player fatigue to weather conditions.
Origin

From hand-in-cap, in reference to holding the game stakes in a cap.

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