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Handicapped: meaning, definitions and examples

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handicapped

 

[ ˈhændɪˌkæpt ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

parking spaces

Having a physical or mental disability that significantly limits one's ability to function in a particular environment.

Synonyms

challenged, disabled, impaired.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
handicapped

Considered outdated and sometimes offensive. It was historically used to describe someone with physical or mental disabilities.

  • He used to park in the handicapped spot.
  • The restaurant has a special entrance for handicapped customers.
disabled

Generally accepted and widely used in medical, legal, and social contexts to describe someone with physical or mental conditions that limit certain activities.

  • He is disabled and uses a wheelchair.
  • They work to protect the rights of disabled individuals.
impaired

Often used to describe specific limitations, such as vision or hearing. It is commonly used in medical contexts.

  • He has hearing-impaired and needs a hearing aid.
  • The driver was arrested for driving while impaired.
challenged

Used as a more sensitive or politically correct term, often used in contexts where it replaces 'disabled' to add a positive outlook. It can sometimes sound euphemistic.

  • She is physically challenged but lives independently.
  • They offer services for intellectually challenged students.

Examples of usage

  • Handicapped parking spaces are reserved for individuals with disabilities.
  • She felt frustrated when people parked in the handicapped spot without a permit.
Context #2 | Noun

individuals

A person who has a physical or mental disability that limits their ability to function.

Synonyms

disabled person, individual with disabilities.

Examples of usage

  • The organization provides support services for handicapped individuals.
  • He works tirelessly to advocate for the rights of the handicapped in our community.

Translations

Translations of the word "handicapped" in other languages:

🇵🇹 deficiente

🇮🇳 विकलांग

🇩🇪 behindert

🇮🇩 cacat

🇺🇦 інвалід

🇵🇱 niepełnosprawny

🇯🇵 障害者

🇫🇷 handicapé

🇪🇸 discapacitado

🇹🇷 engelli

🇰🇷 장애인

🇸🇦 معاق

🇨🇿 postižený

🇸🇰 postihnutý

🇨🇳 残疾人

🇸🇮 invalid

🇮🇸 fatlaður

🇰🇿 мүгедек

🇬🇪 შეზღუდული შესაძლებლობების მქონე

🇦🇿 əlil

🇲🇽 discapacitado

Etymology

The term 'handicapped' originated in the late 19th century as a reference to a game of chance or skill in which a competitor is made to play at a disadvantage. Over time, it evolved to describe individuals with physical or mental disabilities. The use of the term has become less common due to its negative connotations, and the preferred terminology now includes 'disabled' or 'individuals with disabilities.' It is important to use respectful language when referring to people with disabilities.

See also: backhand, deckhand, forehand, hand, handbag, handball, handbook, handbreadth, handcrafted, handcrafting, handcuffs, handful, handgun, handheld, handicap, handily, handiwork, handkerchief, handle, handled, handler, handles, handling, handmade, handmake, handover, handpicked, handrail, hands, handwarmer, handwear, handwriting, handy, handycam, handyman, handyperson, offhand, openhandedly, shorthand.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,139 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.