Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Having a physical or mental disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities: This term describes a condition where an individual's ability to function in daily life is significantly impaired due to a physical or mental condition.
   • Placed at a disadvantage: In a broader, often metaphorical sense, it can describe being in an unfavorable position or having a disadvantage in a particular situation.

2. Noun (plural, used with a definite article: 'the handicapped'):

   • People who have physical or mental disabilities considered as a group: This collective term refers to individuals with disabilities. Note: This usage is now often considered outdated and potentially offensive. More respectful contemporary terms include 'people with disabilities' or 'disabled people'.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The building has special access ramps for handicapped visitors. (The building has special access ramps for visitors with disabilities.)
  • Without the proper data, the research team was handicapped in their analysis. (Without the proper data, the research team was at a disadvantage in their analysis.)

• Noun (historical/formal context):

  • The new law aimed to improve employment opportunities for the handicapped. (The new law aimed to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be handicapped by something": to be severely limited or disadvantaged by a particular factor.
  • The company's growth was handicapped by a lack of investment. (The company's growth was severely limited by a lack of investment.)

Variants and Related Words

• Handicap (noun): A condition that markedly restricts a person's ability to function physically, mentally, or socially. It can also refer to a disadvantage imposed to equalize chances in a competition.
  • Golfers of different skill levels compete by using a handicap system.
• Handicap (verb): To place at a disadvantage; to hinder.
  • The injury will handicap the athlete's performance this season.
• Disability (noun): A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. This is the preferred term in most modern contexts.
• Disabled (adjective): Having a disability. Often preferred over 'handicapped' (e.g., disabled parking, disabled access).

Synonyms

• Adjective (describing a person): Disabled, impaired, incapacitated.
• Adjective (describing a situation): Disadvantaged, hindered, impaired.

Important Note on Usage

The term 'handicapped', especially when used as a noun ('the handicapped'), is largely considered outdated and inappropriate in contemporary language. It is often perceived as defining people solely by their disability in a dehumanizing way. The recommended approach is person-first language (e.g., 'people with disabilities') or identity-first language (e.g., 'disabled people'), as preferred by the community being discussed. The adjectival form (e.g., 'handicapped parking') remains in some official/legal contexts but is increasingly being replaced by terms like 'accessible parking' or 'disabled parking'.

Adjective

1. incapable of functioning as a consequence of injury or illness

Noun

1. people collectively who are crippled or otherwise physically handicapped
   • technology to help the elderly and the disabled