Definition

1. Noun:
   • A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities: "Disability" refers to a state of having a physical or mental impairment that substantially restricts one or more major life activities.
   • A legal or official lack of qualification or capacity: In legal contexts, "disability" can denote a lack of legal capacity or qualification to perform a specific act or hold a certain position.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The new building has ramps to improve access for people with a physical disability.
  • She receives support for her learning disability.
  • The law prohibits discrimination based on disability.

Advanced Usage

• "Hidden/invisible disability": A disability that is not immediately apparent to others.
  • Chronic pain is often an invisible disability.
• "Disability benefits": Financial assistance provided by the government or an insurer due to an inability to work.
  • He applied for disability benefits after his injury.

Variants and Related Words

• Disable (verb): To make someone unable to do something, often by causing an injury or impairment.
  • The accident disabled him for several months.
• Disabled (adjective): Having a disability.
  • The organization provides services for disabled veterans.

Synonyms

• Impairment: A condition that weakens or damages a function.
• Handicap: (Note: This term is often considered outdated or offensive in many contexts when referring to people; "disability" is the preferred term.)

Related Phrases

• Disability rights: The rights of people with disabilities to equal opportunity and non-discrimination.
  • She is a strong advocate for disability rights.
• Disability insurance: A type of insurance that provides income if the policyholder is unable to work due to a disability.
  • It's wise to have disability insurance.

Noun

1. the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness
   • reading disability
   • hearing impairment