Word
handicapped
Phoneticshand·i·capped
US/ˈhændiˌkæpt/
UK/hˈændɪkˌæpt/
Definitions
01having a disability
adj. having a physical or mental condition that makes it harder to do certain things.
adj. having a physical or mental disability that limits one's capacity for certain activities. This term is increasingly viewed as offensive in modern contexts.
“The old hotel did not have any rooms for handicapped guests.”
“The legislation was originally designed to protect the rights of handicapped citizens, though the terminology has since been updated to reflect modern standards of respect.”
Usage
Often used as a collective noun with 'the' (the handicapped), though this is now considered dated.
Pitfall
The building has a handicapped entrance.
The building has an accessible entrance.
In modern English, use 'accessible' for things like doors or toilets, and 'disabled' or 'person with a disability' for people.
Teaching tip
This word is now considered insensitive or offensive by many. Advise students to use 'disabled' or 'accessible' instead.
Antonyms
02limited or disadvantaged
adj. put at a disadvantage or limited by something.
adj. placed at a disadvantage or restricted by a specific impediment or circumstance.
“Small businesses are often handicapped by a lack of funding.”
“The local team was severely handicapped by the sudden injury of their star player just minutes before the championship began.”
Formal
Usage
Often used in a figurative sense regarding business or competition.
Teaching tip
In this sense, the word is less about physical disability and more about a general lack of resources or power.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03a person with a disability
n. a person who has a physical or mental disability.
n. a person with a physical or mental impairment. This usage is common in Indian English but is considered offensive or dated in most other dialects.
“The charity provides special equipment for the handicapped in the city.”
“The advocate argued that the city's infrastructure failed to meet the basic needs of the handicapped living in the crowded urban centre.”
Dialect
Usage
Used as a countable noun primarily in South Asian varieties of English.
Teaching tip
Students should be aware that using this as a noun is highly likely to cause offense in the UK, US, or Australia.
Synonyms
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/handicapped