disability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. Example: "The organization provides support and resources for individuals with disabilities to help them lead independent lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Planned cuts to the disability living allowance could see 500,000 disabled people losing money, the charity Mencap has said.

The Guardian

It is sometimes assumed that a disabled journalist wants to write about disability, but more often than not they just want an opportunity to prove that they can bring value and diversity to their workplace.

The Guardian

While often cited as a landmark achievement, the Indian Person with Disability act actually makes no specific provision for disabled women and girls.

The Guardian

"This case has raised attention around the world, with particular concern around Mr Hill's intellectual disability," said Annabelle Malins, the British consul general.

The Guardian

The coalition of disability groups are pushing the Georgia state assembly to change the law to bring it in line with the other 49 states by lowering the burden of proof to "preponderance of the evidence".

The Guardian

The disability campaigners who gathered at the Capitol on Tuesday warned that Georgia had created a trap for disabled people, because in mild cases such as Hill's it was almost impossible to prove beyond doubt their challenges.

The Guardian

When interviewed, aspiring journalists with disabilities said the issues that concerned them most were: whether or not to disclose their disability in a covering letter with their CV; if they had the right image for the employer; and whether or not the disability would affect their ability, or perceived ability, to perform a task.

The Guardian

"If I leave my disability out of my cover letter, they would still see me in a wheelchair when I go for an interview.

The Guardian

Statistics for the number of people with disabilities entering industries such as the media are even worse – the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability says that fewer than 1% of those working in the media have a disability; the national average for the UK population is 13%.

The Guardian

They did try, but I think it was a case of mismanagement and not knowing how to deal with disability effectively".

The Guardian

But being blind can be a good thing too, as you can't see an interviewer's initial reaction to your disability".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "disability", use person-first language (e.g., "a person with a disability" rather than "a disabled person") to emphasize the individual's humanity.

Common error

Be specific about the type of "disability" you are discussing. Avoid broad statements that may perpetuate stereotypes or fail to acknowledge the diversity within the disabled community.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disability" is that of a noun. It refers to a state of having a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. As shown by Ludwig, it is often used in the context of discussing support, rights, and challenges faced by individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disability" functions primarily as a noun referring to a limiting condition. It's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is widely employed to discuss the challenges, rights, and support systems for individuals with disabilities. When writing about this topic, it's best practice to use person-first language. Avoid generalizations and specify the type of "disability" being discussed. The provided examples from Ludwig highlight the term's diverse applications across varied contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

physical impairment

Focuses specifically on impairments related to the body.

mental incapacity

Highlights limitations in cognitive or psychological function.

learning difficulty

Emphasizes challenges in acquiring knowledge and skills.

functional limitation

Points out restrictions in performing daily activities.

reduced mobility

Specifies limitations in movement and ambulation.

sensory impairment

Refers to diminished or absent sensory abilities.

chronic illness

Highlights long-term health conditions that cause limitations.

medical condition

A broad term encompassing various health-related limitations.

special needs

Emphasizes the requirement for tailored support and accommodations.

differently abled

A euphemistic term that aims to promote inclusivity.

FAQs

How to use "disability" in a sentence?

"Disability" is used to describe a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. For example: "The organization provides support for individuals with disabilities."

What can I say instead of "disability"?

Alternatives include "impairment", "functional limitation", or "special needs", depending on the context.

Which is correct: "person with disability" or "disabled person"?

The preferred phrasing is "person with a disability" as it uses person-first language, focusing on the individual rather than defining them solely by their condition. It emphasizes that they are a person first.

What is the difference between "disability" and "handicap"?

"Disability" refers to an impairment or condition, while "handicap" describes a barrier or obstacle imposed by society or the environment. A "person with a disability" might experience a handicap due to inaccessible buildings.