handicap
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for handicap, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A physical or mental condition that limits a person's abilities.
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.
How to use handicap
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From the old phrase "hand in cap," a forfeit game where players held stake money in a cap — later borrowed for sports where competitors are given adjusted odds.
Full origin of handicap →Frequently asked questions
What does “handicap” mean?
The word “handicap” means a physical or mental condition that limits a person's abilities. In plain terms, a disadvantage or limitation, or (in sport) an adjustment made to level the playing field.
How do you pronounce “handicap”?
“Handicap” is pronounced HAN-dee-kap (/ˈhændikæp/ in IPA).
How do you use “handicap” in a sentence?
Here is “handicap” used in a sentence: “The building was redesigned to be accessible to people with a handicap.”
What part of speech is “handicap”?
Depending on how it is used, “handicap” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “handicap” a common word?
“Handicap” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “handicap” have?
“Handicap” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a physical or mental condition that limits a person's abilities.
What is the difference between a handicap and a disability?
"Disability" is the more neutral, standard term today for a physical or mental condition that limits a person's abilities, while "handicap" carries an older, now often considered outdated or insensitive tone when applied to people. In sports and games, however, "handicap" remains the standard, non-offensive term for an adjustment given to weaker competitors.
How is a golf handicap calculated?
A golf handicap is a numerical adjustment representing a player's skill level, used to level the playing field between competitors of different abilities. It works the same way as the general sporting sense of handicap: extra strokes are given to weaker players so a contest is more evenly matched.
Is it acceptable to use handicap to describe a person?
Many style guides and disability advocates now prefer "person with a disability" over "handicapped person," since handicap in that sense is considered dated. The word remains perfectly acceptable in its sporting sense and in its general sense of a disadvantage, such as "a handicap to success."