noun

handicap

HAN-dee-kap

noun

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."

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."

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."

verb

To put someone or something at a disadvantage.

"The injury handicapped his chances of winning the race."

How to Use Handicap

Learner’s notes

In 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The word can sound outdated or even offensive when used for a person's disability — "disability" or "impairment" is now the more neutral, preferred term in everyday and official use.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

Word Forms

handicapped past tense, handicaps plural, handicaps singular

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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.