able-bodied
/'eibl'bɔdid/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Physically strong and healthy: Describes a person who is robust, fit, and free from significant physical disability or illness.
- Fit for service or labor: Specifically denotes someone who meets the physical requirements for demanding work, such as military service or manual labor.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The search and rescue team was composed of able-bodied volunteers.
- After months of training, he was fully able-bodied and ready for the expedition.
- The policy required every able-bodied citizen to contribute during the crisis.
Advanced Usage
"Able-bodied" as a legal or formal category: Often used in official contexts to distinguish individuals fit for specific duties.
- The law exempted only those with certified disabilities from the able-bodied workforce requirement.
Societal and contextual sensitivity: In modern discourse, the term is sometimes contrasted with "disabled" in discussions of accessibility, rights, and inclusion. It is important to use the term neutrally and factually.
Variants and Related Words
Able-bodied seaman (AB): (Noun) A certified, skilled sailor, historically the rank above an ordinary seaman.
- He worked his way up to become an able-bodied seaman.
Able-bodiedness: (Noun, less common) The state or condition of being physically fit and capable.
- His able-bodiedness was an asset in the physically demanding job.
Synonyms
- Fit: In good health and physical condition.
- Robust: Strong and healthy; vigorous.
- Hale: (Especially of an old person) strong and healthy.
- Sound: In good condition; solid and reliable.
Antonyms
- Disabled: Having a physical or mental condition that limits movements, senses, or activities.
- Infirm: Weak or ill, especially from old age.
- Unfit: Not in good physical condition.
Related Phrases and Compounds
Able-bodied worker: A term used in labor and economic contexts.
- The factory sought able-bodied workers for its construction project.
Able-bodied adult: A common demographic classification.
- The program was designed for able-bodied adults between 18 and 50.
Adjective
- having a strong healthy body
- an able seaman
- every able-bodied young man served in the army