handicap

8 definitions • 8 examples

an illness, injury, or condition that makes it difficult for someone to do some things that other people do, and that is usually permanent or lasts for a long time. This word is now considered offensive by many people, who prefer the word disability.

something that makes it difficult for you to do something:

I found that not having a car was quite a handicap while on holiday.

a disadvantage given to a person taking part in a game or competition in order to reduce their chances of winning, or a sports event in which such disadvantages are given:

Handicaps give people with different abilities an equal chance of winning.

My current golf handicap is nine.

to make something more difficult to do:

Rescue efforts have been handicapped by rough seas and hurricane-force winds.

a physical or mental condition that makes ordinary activities more difficult than they are for other people:

His loss of hearing was a severe handicap.

something that causes unusual difficulties:

Their lack of knowledge of computer programming was not much of a handicap for them.

(in a sports competition) a disadvantage given to a strong competitor in order to give weaker competitors a better chance of winning:

a golf handicap

to make something unusually difficult:

Rescue efforts have been handicapped by bad weather.