disabled
9 synonyms and 2 antonyms for disabled, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Having a lasting physical or mental condition that limits activity or function.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use disabled
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
When referring to people, many style guides now prefer "person with a disability" over "the disabled," though both are widely used.
Frequently asked questions
What does “disabled” mean?
The word “disabled” means having a lasting physical or mental condition that limits activity or function. In plain terms, either describes a person with a lasting physical or mental limitation, or something (a machine, a feature) that has been switched off or put out of action.
How do you pronounce “disabled”?
“Disabled” is pronounced dihs-EH-ih-buhd ([dɪsˈɛɪ̯bəɫd] in IPA).
How do you use “disabled” in a sentence?
Here is “disabled” used in a sentence: “The car park has reserved spaces for disabled drivers.”
What is another word for “disabled”?
Words with a similar meaning to “disabled” include incapacitated, indisposed and invalid.
What is the opposite of “disabled”?
The opposite of “disabled” — its antonyms — are abled and enabled.
What part of speech is “disabled”?
“Disabled” is an adjective.
Is “disabled” a common word?
“Disabled” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “disabled” have?
“Disabled” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having a lasting physical or mental condition that limits activity or function.
What is the difference between 'disabled' and 'handicapped'?
Both once described a person with a lasting physical or mental condition that limits activity, but 'disabled' is now the widely preferred, respectful term. 'Handicapped' is considered dated and can cause offence, so most style guides recommend 'disabled person' or 'person with a disability' instead.
Is it more respectful to say 'disabled person' or 'person with a disability'?
Both forms are accepted. 'Disabled person' (identity-first) is favoured by many disability communities in the UK, while 'person with a disability' (person-first) is more common in the US; when unsure, follow the term the individual or organisation uses.
When does 'disabled' mean 'switched off' rather than referring to a person?
In technology and machinery, 'disabled' means a feature, button, device, or account has been made unable to work or operate, as in 'the account is disabled.' The surrounding context, usually a device or setting rather than a person, signals this meaning.
What is the difference between 'disabled' and 'enabled'?
In the technical sense, 'enabled' means a feature or setting is switched on and able to work, while 'disabled' means it has been switched off. They are direct opposites when describing controls, functions, or accounts.