Handicap: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this term when referring to a physical or mental condition that makes it harder for someone to perform certain tasks or activities. It is also used in sports to level the playing field.

• Her visual impairment is a handicap, but she has learned to adapt.
• In golf, his lower handicap makes him a strong competitor.

Use this term in a broader variety of situations where anyone or anything is in a less favorable position compared to others. It can be related to personal traits, socioeconomic status, or other factors.

• Growing up in a poor neighborhood can be a significant disadvantage.
• The team was at a disadvantage due to several key players being injured.

Use this term in situations that involve a punishment or consequence imposed for violating rules, laws, or agreements. It is often used in legal and sports contexts.

• The company had to pay a hefty penalty for violating environmental regulations.
• He received a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct during the game.

Use this term when referring to something that causes delay or obstruction. It often implies an external factor that prevents progress.

• The heavy traffic was a major hindrance to arriving on time.
• Lack of funding is a hindrance to their research project.

Typically used in older contexts or sports. Can have a negative connotation when referring to individuals.

• The golfer had a scoring handicap of 15.
• In the past, many buildings were not accessible to people with handicaps.

Commonly used in modern language to refer to a long-term physical, mental, or developmental condition. Neutral and often preferred in many contexts.

• She uses a wheelchair due to her disability.
• There are many resources for students with disabilities at the university.

Used to refer to the loss or abnormality of a physiological function, often in medical or technical contexts. It is neutral and specific.

• He has a hearing impairment and needs to use a hearing aid.
• Visual impairments can be caused by various conditions.

Generally used to describe a restriction or lack of ability, often in a broader sense, not just related to physical or mental conditions.

• Everyone has their own limitations, but it’s important to focus on what you can do.
• Her injury imposed many limitations on her mobility.

Often used in contexts related to physical or mental conditions that limit a person's ability to perform certain activities. Can also be used in sports to describe adding an extra burden to even the playing field.

• His blindness was a handicap that he overcame through sheer determination
• The horse race had a handicap to give slower horses a fair chance

Used in general contexts to describe any situation where someone or something is in a less favorable position compared to others.

• Growing up in a poor neighborhood can be a significant disadvantage
• The team had a disadvantage because their key player was injured

Used mainly in contexts where a penalty is being imposed as a form of punishment or disadvantage, often in sports, legal situations, or competitions.

• The referee decided to penalize the player for unsportsmanlike behavior
• Companies that break environmental laws can be heavily penalized

Typically used when something or someone is causing a delay or making it more difficult to progress or succeed.

• Heavy traffic can hinder your commute to work
• Poor weather conditions hindered the rescue operations