disability

IPA/ˌdɪsəˈbɪləti/
KK[dˌɪsəbˈɪlɪti]IPA/ˌdɪsəˈbɪləti/

disability — noun

  • disabilitysingular
  • disabilitiesplural

1. a long-term physical, mental, or sensory condition that affects how a person man

1.nounB1
Definition

a long-term physical, mental, or sensory condition that affects how a person manages daily life, from moving around to working or socialising

Example

Rania uses a wheelchair, but her **disability** does not stop her from teaching.

countable: a person's specific disability

The library added ramps to help visitors with a **disability** enter the building more easily.

collocation: with a disability

Common collocations
  • have a disability
  • with a disability
  • living with a disability
  • physical disability
  • learning disability
  • hearing disability
  • disability rights
  • disability access
Synonyms
  • condition

    broader; can refer to any ongoing health issue, not only those that limit daily activities

  • impairment

    more clinical; refers specifically to a loss or abnormality in body function

Usage Note

Many people in the disability community prefer person-first language (e.g., 'a person with a disability'), though others use identity-first language ('a disabled person'). When in doubt, ask the individual about their preference.

Common Mistakes

She has a disability of hearing.
She has a hearing disability.
the type of disability comes directly before the word 'disability', without 'of'.

2. money paid regularly by the state to people who have a physical or mental condit

2.nounB2
Definition

money paid regularly by the state to people who have a physical or mental condition that prevents them from working or limits their ability to earn a living

Example

After his accident, Caleb applied for **disability** to help pay his rent.

uncountable: applied for disability (benefits)

The government announced an increase in **disability** payments starting next April.

collocation: disability payments

Common collocations
  • on disability
  • disability payments
  • disability benefits
  • apply for disability
  • receive disability
  • claim disability
Synonyms
  • benefits

    broader; covers other types of state support such as unemployment or housing benefits

  • allowance

    can refer to any regular payment, not necessarily disability-related

Usage Note

This sense is uncountable. It is often shortened from 'disability benefits' or 'disability allowance'.

Common Mistakes

She receives a disability from the government.
She receives disability from the government.
do not use 'a' before 'disability' when it refers to payments.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All three words relate to limitations on a person's abilities, but they differ in tone and scope. 'Condition' is the broadest term and can refer to any ongoing health issue, even one that does not affect daily activities. 'Impairment' is more clinical and is used by medical professionals to describe a loss or abnormality in a body part or function — for example, 'a visual impairment.' 'Disability' focuses on how an impairment interacts with the world, limiting a person's ability to perform everyday tasks. 'Handicap' was historically used as a synonym but is now widely considered outdated and offensive; avoid it. In everyday conversation, 'disability' is the preferred term. For instance, saying 'She has a hearing impairment' sounds clinical, while 'She has a hearing disability' is more natural and respectful.

condition ↗impairment ↗handicap ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • person with a disability
  • people with disabilities

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin 'dis-' (meaning 'away, apart') and 'habilitas' ('ability, fitness'). The word entered English through French 'deshabilité' in the 1500s, originally meaning 'lack of power or ability.' By the 1800s, it had taken on the modern sense of a lasting physical or mental limitation. The use of 'disability' to refer to government benefits developed in the 20th century alongside social security systems.