despite being disabled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "despite being disabled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has achieved something or is in a situation that contrasts with their disability. Example: "Despite being disabled, she completed the marathon and inspired many others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

On the sweltering afternoon of June 26, despite being disabled, Ms. Devi rode the subways downtown to testify at a city Rent Guidelines Board hearing in the Great Hall at Cooper Union.

The New York Times

In the latest interview he said: "I don't want to finish up like [the late] Harold Robbins", in a reference to the best-selling American author who went on writing into his 80s, despite being disabled by a stroke and suffering diminishing sales.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The outcome variable was being disabled.

BMC Geriatrics

It is the stigma of being disabled ….

Global Health Action

Do not fake being disabled!

WikiHow

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is making a major impact in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease who continue to be disabled despite the best available medical therapy.

Parkinsonism & Related Disorders

Despite the fact that he was disabled, receiving SSI, and was never was never able to manage his life in a safe manner, when he aged into adulthood, he received his shoe laces back and a plane ticket "home "and free reign to manage his life completely without "interference from his parents" (his case manager's words).

Huffington Post

For instance, in one very tiny village in India, the leader of the community absolutely refused to allow the children to be vaccinated for polio, despite the fact that he himself was disabled by polio.

Unicef

"Why wouldn't it go on in the workplace?" Despite recent progress, only 29percentt of people who are disabled and are of working age are employed, compared with 79percentt of those who are not disabled, according to a recent survey.

The New York Times

Yet in 2007, despite progress toward that goal, millions of people die or are disabled each year from causes that are easily preventable or treatable [ 2].

Globalization and Health

Almost half are disabled.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "despite being disabled", ensure that the focus remains on the achievement or situation being highlighted, rather than the disability itself. For example, instead of saying "Despite being disabled, John is successful", consider "John is successful, despite being disabled" to emphasize his success.

Common error

Avoid using "despite being disabled" in a way that seems patronizing or implies surprise at the person's ability. For example, avoid sentences like "Despite being disabled, she's actually quite intelligent." Instead, focus on the individual's capabilities without making assumptions based on their disability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "despite being disabled" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a contrast or exception. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showing its role in connecting a situation with a condition that might be expected to prevent it.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "despite being disabled" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to highlight a contrast between a person's disability and their actions or achievements. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to acknowledge a disability while emphasizing unexpected capabilities or resilience. While the phrase can be used in various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings, care should be taken to avoid insensitivity or patronizing implications. Alternatives like "in spite of having a disability" or "even though disabled" can offer nuanced variations in meaning and tone. The phrase is considered uncommon, and its effective use requires careful consideration of the context and potential impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in spite of having a disability

Replaces "despite being" with "in spite of having", maintaining the core meaning.

even though disabled

Uses "even though" for emphasis and replaces "being disabled" with just "disabled".

although having a disability

Substitutes "despite" with "although" and rephrases "being disabled" to "having a disability".

with a disability, yet

Uses "with a disability" to describe the condition and "yet" to show the contrast.

handicapped, but still

Replaces "disabled" with "handicapped" and uses "but still" to show the contrast.

disabled, nevertheless

Highlights the disability first, then uses "nevertheless" to indicate overcoming it.

irrespective of their disability

Emphasizes that the disability does not matter, using "irrespective of".

regardless of being impaired

Uses "regardless of" to show indifference to the impairment.

disability notwithstanding

A more formal way of saying "despite disability".

facing disability, however

Highlights the challenge of the disability and uses "however" to show contrast.

FAQs

What does "despite being disabled" mean?

The phrase "despite being disabled" indicates that someone has achieved something or is in a particular situation, and that this is surprising or noteworthy given their disability. It acknowledges the disability but highlights achievements or circumstances that exist in contrast to it.

What are some alternatives to "despite being disabled"?

You can use alternatives such as "in spite of having a disability", "even though disabled", or "although having a disability" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "despite being disabled"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and can be appropriate, but it's important to use it respectfully. Focus on the person's accomplishments or situation, rather than making the disability the main focus or implying surprise at their abilities. Always consider the context and potential for causing offense.

How can I use "despite being disabled" in a sentence?

You can use it to contrast a person's disability with their achievements or actions. For example: "Despite being disabled, she completed the marathon." or "He pursued his dreams "despite being disabled"."