disabled
dihs-EH-ih-buhd
Disabled (adj) means having a lasting physical or mental condition that limits activity or function. Example: “The museum is fully accessible, with ramps and lifts for disabled visitors.”
adj
1
Having a lasting physical or mental condition that limits activity or function.
"The museum is fully accessible, with ramps and lifts for disabled visitors."
"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 alarm was disabled during the repairs, so nobody heard anything that night."
"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
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Word forms
- Plural
- disableds
- Comparative
- more disabled
- Superlative
- most disabled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The museum is fully accessible, with ramps and lifts for _____ visitors.
Synonyms
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deactivated
impaired
inoperative
switched off
immobilized
out of action
handicapped
incapacitated
indisposed
invalid
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for disabled
See all rhymes for disabled →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.
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