disabled

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.

“Disabled” is pronounced dihs-EH-ih-buhd ([dɪsˈɛɪ̯bəɫd] in IPA).

Here is “disabled” used in a sentence: “The car park has reserved spaces for disabled drivers.”

Words with a similar meaning to “disabled” include incapacitated, indisposed and invalid.

The opposite of “disabled” — its antonyms — are abled and enabled.

“Disabled” is an adjective.

“Disabled” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.