handicap
/ˈhændikæp/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈhændikæp/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhan-di-ˌkap -dē-/ (ame, mw) · /ˈhæn.dɪ.kæp/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈhæn.dɪ.kæp/ (ame, ipa)
handicap — noun
- handicapsingular
- handicapsplural
1. A physical or mental condition that limits a person's ability to move, see, hear
A physical or mental condition that limits a person's ability to move, see, hear, or do everyday tasks. Many people now consider this word offensive and prefer the word 'disability' instead.
The new library entrance has a ramp for visitors with physical handicaps.
physical handicap — note: now often considered offensive; use 'disability'
Hassan's brother was born with a severe mental handicap and needs full-time care at home.
Old buildings without elevators are difficult for people with physical handicaps to enter.
The term 'handicap' is no longer used in official health forms; most people now say 'disability' instead.
- disability
the modern, respectful alternative to 'handicap' for a physical or mental condition
- impairment
more clinical term, often used for specific limitations (e.g. 'visual impairment')
- condition
neutral term that avoids the negative associations of 'handicap'
- ability
the capacity to do something without limitation
文法句型
handicap
a handicap
handicaps
用法筆記
This sense is now widely considered offensive. Use 'disability' or 'impairment' instead in most contexts. The term 'handicap' originally referred to a person with a disability who had to beg with a cap in hand, and many people find this origin and the continued use of the word demeaning.
常見錯誤
2. A condition or situation that makes it difficult for someone or something to suc
A condition or situation that makes it difficult for someone or something to succeed or make progress.
Wei's lack of English was a serious handicap when he started school in Canada.
lack of [skill] is a handicap for [person]
The small kitchen is a real handicap when Carlos tries to cook for ten dinner guests.
Poor internet access is a major handicap for students living in rural areas.
Being very short can be a handicap for players who want to join a professional basketball team.
- disadvantage
more general term for any unfavourable condition; interchangeable with this sense
- obstacle
something that physically or metaphorically blocks progress
- drawback
a negative aspect of an otherwise positive situation
文法句型
a handicap
handicap to
be a handicap for
用法筆記
Unlike sense noun/1 (DISABILITY), this sense has no offensive connotation. It describes any factor — not necessarily medical — that makes progress harder.
常見錯誤
3. A system in sports like golf or horse racing where stronger competitors are give
A system in sports like golf or horse racing where stronger competitors are given a disadvantage (such as extra strokes or extra weight) so that all competitors have an equal chance of winning.
Santiago won the golf match even with a handicap of fifteen strokes.
golf handicap + number of strokes
The race uses a handicap system where faster horses carry extra weight.
Ananya's golf handicap dropped from twenty to fourteen after six months of practice.
In a handicap race, a slow runner may start closer to the finish line than a fast runner.
- allowance
used in some sports for the points or time given to balance competition
- weight advantage
specific to horse racing, where extra weight is added to faster horses
文法句型
a handicap
handicap system
give a handicap
have a handicap of
用法筆記
A lower golf handicap means a stronger player. A handicap of 0 (or 'scratch') means the player is at professional level. Beginners often start with handicaps above 20.
常見錯誤
handicap — verb
- handicappresent simple I / you / we / they
- handicaps3rd person singular
- handicapping-ing form
- handicappedpast simple
1. To make it more difficult for someone to do something or for something to develo
To make it more difficult for someone to do something or for something to develop or succeed.
The snowstorm handicapped the rescue team's efforts to reach the stranded climbers.
handicapped + efforts to [do something]
Leila felt that her shyness handicapped her during group meetings at her new job.
The injury in his knee handicapped Yusuf's chances of competing in the national championship.
New safety rules could handicap small factories that cannot afford to buy modern equipment.
文法句型
handicap someone/something
be handicapped by something
用法筆記
Frequently used in the passive voice: 'The project was handicapped by a lack of funding.' The subject is usually an external factor (weather, rules, injury) rather than a person's choice.
常見錯誤
2. To study the likely winners of a race or competition, especially in horse racing
To study the likely winners of a race or competition, especially in horse racing, by evaluating each competitor's past performance and current condition.
The racing expert carefully handicapped each horse before the big race at the weekend.
handicap + horses (assess winning chances)
Newspapers employ specialists to handicap major races for their readers every season.
Oluwaseun learned to handicap races by studying each horse's past performance records.
文法句型
handicap a race
handicap a contestant
handicap races
用法筆記
This sense belongs to horse racing and betting culture. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to say 'predict the winner' or 'assess the odds.' The noun form 'handicapper' refers to the person who does this job.