adj
disabled
dihs-EH-ih-buhd
adj
1
Having a lasting physical or mental condition that limits activity or function.
"The car park has reserved spaces for disabled drivers."
"She has been disabled since a car accident ten years ago."
2
Made unable to work or operate; switched off.
"The disabled elevator meant we had to take the stairs."
"Cookies are disabled in this browser."
How to Use Disabled
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither 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.
When to use it
When referring to people, many style guides now prefer "person with a disability" over "the disabled," though both are widely used.
Common pairings
disabled parking
disabled access
temporarily disabled
Word Forms
more disabled comparative, disabled plural, disableds plural, most disabled superlative
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Can you complete this real example?
The car park has reserved spaces for _____ drivers.