# handicap

/ˈhændiˌkæp/ (US) · /hˈændɪkˌæp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/handicap
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a general disadvantage

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: a circumstance or condition that hampers or hinders progress or success.

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

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

- He has a golf handicap of ten, which allows him to compete against more experienced players.
- In horse racing, a handicap is often applied by requiring faster horses to carry additional weight to ensure a more competitive field.

### 3. physical or mental disability

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

Teaching 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.

### 4. to place at a disadvantage

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- The team was handicapped by the sudden injury of their best player.
- The company was severely handicapped by a lack of investment capital during its first three years of operation.

### 5. to predict a winner

verb · CEFR C2 · American English · Technical

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

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

- He spends his weekends handicapping horse races at the local track.
- Professional analysts spend hours handicapping the upcoming tournament, taking into account everything from player fatigue to weather conditions.

## Examples

- His lack of experience was a major handicap in the job interview.
- The golfer has a handicap of five, which allows him to compete against more skilled players on a level playing field.
- While the team's limited budget was a significant financial handicap, their innovative approach to recruitment allowed them to outperform much wealthier rivals throughout the season.

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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.