Skip to main content

the disabled — people who have a physical or mental condition that limits their movements, senses, or activities

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: people who have a physical or mental condition that limits their movements, senses, or activities

Pronunciation (IPA): /ðə dɪˈseɪbəld/

Example Sentences

  • The new smartphone has amazing features for the disabled - it can read texts aloud and respond to eye movements!
  • The disabled parking spaces are always occupied by people who seem remarkably athletic when walking to the store.
  • Our company actively hires the disabled and has found them to be some of our most dedicated employees.

the disabled

NOUN

[/ðə dɪˈseɪbəld/]

people who have a physical or mental condition that limits their movements, senses, or activities

a person in a wheelchair works at an adaptive computer station while a guide dog rests nearby. A caregiver assists someone with visual impairment navigate through the space using tactile guidance. In the background, a person with prosthetic legs participates in a group activity at a table. Staff members provide gentle support and encouragement to individuals with various cognitive and physical challenges. Everyone interacts naturally in this inclusive environment designed for accessibility.  people who have physical or mental conditions that limit their movements, senses, or activities
💡 Concept

a person in a wheelchair works at an adaptive computer station while a guide dog rests nearby. A caregiver assists someone with visual impairment navigate through the space using tactile guidance. In the background, a person with prosthetic legs participates in a group activity at a table. Staff members provide gentle support and encouragement to individuals with various cognitive and physical challenges. Everyone interacts naturally in this inclusive environment designed for accessibility. people who have physical or mental conditions that limit their movements, senses, or activities

Though some are disabled, technology has enabled!
🎵 Rhyme

Though some are disabled, technology has enabled!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ðə dɪˈseɪbəld/
🇬🇧 UK/ðə dɪˈseɪbəld/

🌳Etymology

Prefixdis--
Rootable
Suffix--ed

Origin

The word 'disabled' derives from the prefix 'dis-' (meaning 'not' or 'the opposite of') combined with 'able', from Latin 'habilis' (capable, fit). The past participle suffix '-ed' transforms it into an adjective describing those who have lost or lack capacity, originally used to refer to individuals with physical or mental impairments.

Breakdown

dis- (not, opposite) + able (capable, from Latin habilis) + -ed (past participle suffix indicating a completed state or condition). The construction literally means 'made not capable' or 'rendered incapable'.

🎵Rhyme

enabled
abled

🔗Collocations

services for the disabled
rights of the disabled
facilities for the disabled
support the disabled
employment for the disabled
accessibility for the disabled

📝Examples

“The new smartphone has amazing features for the disabled - it can read texts aloud and respond to eye movements!”

😄 Fun example

“The disabled parking spaces are always occupied by people who seem remarkably athletic when walking to the store.”

“Our company actively hires the disabled and has found them to be some of our most dedicated employees.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.