handicap
HAN-dee-kap
Handicap (noun) means a physical or mental condition that limits a person's abilities. Example: “The building was redesigned to be accessible to people with a handicap.”
noun
1
A physical or mental condition that limits a person's abilities.
"The building was redesigned to be accessible to people with a handicap."
"Despite his handicap, he became a champion swimmer."
"The school offers extra support to pupils who have a physical handicap."
2
Something that makes success harder; a disadvantage.
"Not speaking the local language was a real handicap on the trip."
"Lack of funding proved a serious handicap for the small charity."
"Being short on time was a handicap when she sat the test."
3
In sport, an adjustment (extra weight, time, or strokes) given to weaker competitors to even out a contest.
"She plays off a handicap of 12 in golf."
"The horse was given a handicap to offset its previous wins."
"The older player gave his young opponent a handicap of five points."
verb
1
To put someone or something at a disadvantage.
"The injury handicapped his chances of winning the race."
"Poor internet access can handicap students who need to study at home."
"The heavy rain handicapped the runners and slowed the whole race."
How to use handicap
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA disadvantage or limitation, or (in sport) an adjustment made to level the playing field.
Common mistake
The word can sound outdated or even offensive when used for a person's disability — "disability" or "impairment" is now the more neutral, preferred term in everyday and official use.
Common pairings
a physical handicap
golf handicap
a serious handicap
handicapped by
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Word forms
- Plural
- handicaps
- Third person singular
- handicaps
- Past tense
- handicapped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The building was redesigned to be accessible to people with a _____.
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.
Synonyms
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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."
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