Handicap: meaning, definitions and examples

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handicap

[ˈhændɪˌkæp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in sports

A disadvantage imposed on a superior competitor in sports such as golf, horse racing, and competitive sailing to make the chances more equal.

Synonyms

disadvantage, hindrance, penalty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
handicap	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.
disadvantage	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.
penalty	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.
hindrance	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.

Examples of usage

She had to play with a handicap of six strokes in the golf tournament.
The horse was given a handicap of 10 pounds in the race.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in disability

A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.

Synonyms

disability, impairment, limitation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
handicap	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.
disability	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.
impairment	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.
limitation	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.

Examples of usage

He was born with a handicap that made it difficult for him to walk.
She overcame her handicap and became a successful athlete.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

in sports

To assign a disadvantage to a competitor to equalize their chances of winning in a competition.

Synonyms

disadvantage, hinder, penalize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
handicap	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
disadvantage	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
penalize	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
hinder	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

Examples of usage

The committee decided to handicap the team by reducing their budget.
The coach handicapped the player by giving them extra training sessions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'handicap' originated in the 17th century from a game where players exchanged money, which later evolved to describe situations of disadvantage.
The word comes from the phrase 'hand in cap', where players put their bids in a cap before competing, symbolizing equal stakes despite advantages.

Social Perspectives

In modern discussions, 'handicap' has evolved to emphasize accessibility and inclusivity, advocating for individuals with disabilities.
The term is now often replaced with more positive language, such as 'disability' or 'differently-abled', to focus on abilities rather than limitations.

Sports and Competitions

In sports, a 'handicap' is used to level the playing field, giving a scoring or timing advantage to less skilled competitors.
Racehorses are often assigned weights to carry based on their past performances to ensure fair competition among all entrants.

Psychology

Studies have shown that labeling someone as 'handicapped' can impact their self-esteem and how others perceive their abilities.
Support and encouragement from peers significantly improve the motivation and success of individuals facing disadvantages.

Historical Context

Historically, people with disabilities faced significant societal barriers, often being excluded from public life and opportunities.
Legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) in the U.S. aimed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities, ensuring their integration into society.

Translations

Translations of the word "handicap" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desvantagem

🇮🇳 अशक्तता

🇩🇪 Behinderung

🇮🇩 cacat

🇺🇦 недолік

🇵🇱 upośledzenie

🇯🇵 障害

🇫🇷 handicap

🇪🇸 desventaja

🇹🇷 dezavantaj

🇰🇷 장애

🇸🇦 إعاقة

🇨🇿 postižení

🇸🇰 postihnutie

🇨🇳 残疾

🇸🇮 invalidnost

🇮🇸 fötlun

🇰🇿 мүгедектік

🇬🇪 შეზღუდულობა

🇦🇿 əlillik

🇲🇽 desventaja

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,440, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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