handicap

noun
UK: /ˈhændɪkæp/
US: /ˈhændɪkæp/

  1. A condition that limits someone's ability to do something.

    1. His handicap makes walking difficult for him.
    2. Despite her physical handicap, she participates in many sports and leads a fulfilling life.

  2. A disadvantage or barrier that makes achievement difficult.

    1. Lack of education is a real handicap.
    2. The team overcame a significant handicap to win the championship because of their team work.

Synonyms

obstacle impairment disability burden disadvantage
handicap verb

  1. To put someone at a disadvantage.

    1. His shyness will handicap him.
    2. Being so isolated could handicap the project's long-term viability in the competitive market.

  2. To give a competitor a disadvantage in a race or contest.

    1. The rules handicap stronger players.
    2. To create a fair game, the organizers decided to handicap experienced golfers by assigning them higher scores.
handicap adjective

  1. Designed for or used by people with disabilities.

    1. This is a handicap parking space.
    2. The city is improving its infrastructure to make it more accessible, with handicap ramps and wider sidewalks.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "handicap" in English means: A condition that limits someone's ability to do something., A disadvantage or barrier that makes achievement difficult..

The phonetic transcription of "handicap" is /ˈhændɪkæp/ in British English and /ˈhændɪkæp/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "handicap": obstacle, impairment, disability, burden, disadvantage.

Example usage of "handicap": "His handicap makes walking difficult for him.". More examples on the page.