disabled

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "disabled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun or an adjective when referring to someone who is physically or mentally impaired and who may require assistance or special equipment to get around and perform everyday activities. For example, "John is a disabled veteran who relies on a wheelchair to get around."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Politics

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

If they are ruling out these extreme cuts for the most disabled and carers, then it is clear they will be hitting the tax credits, and support for children, for millions of working families".

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

There are many issues facing disabled candidates entering any form of employment.

The Guardian

Similarly, Marshall told me there is a significant lack of advice available to disabled aspiring journalists.

The Guardian

Even though three out of the five characters are disabled, Kill Me Now is a play with a cast, crew and writer without any disabilities.

The Guardian - Opinion

(When non-disabled actors play disabled people, they love to squirm, startle and speak as if they were drunk).

The Guardian - Opinion

'When I began in the village, they thought, "Who is this woman who is disabled, educated and working?" says Ranoo. 'They couldn't believe I was married and had healthy children.

The Guardian

A similar approach highlighting the potential contribution of disabled girls could be equally successful.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always capitalize 'Disabled' when it is used to refer to disabled people as a cultural group.

Common error

Refrain from using terms like "handicapped" or "retarded," as they are often considered offensive and perpetuate negative stereotypes. Opt for more respectful and contemporary language, such as "person with a disability" or "intellectual disability."

Linguistic Context

The term "disabled" functions primarily as an adjective to describe individuals or things that have a limitation in physical, mental, or sensory abilities. As Ludwig AI points out, it can also function as a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Opinion

15%

Politics

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Travel

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "disabled" is commonly used as an adjective or noun to refer to individuals with physical or mental impairments. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media. When using "disabled", it's essential to be mindful of respectful language, often prioritizing person-first language (e.g., "person with a disability"). Alternatives such as "having a disability" or "living with a disability" can provide more nuanced descriptions. However, avoid outdated and potentially offensive terms like "handicapped". By following these guidelines, you can ensure respectful and accurate communication when discussing disability-related topics. It's also important to capitalize "Disabled" when referring to the community.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a disability

Focuses on possessing a disability as a characteristic, slightly more formal.

living with a disability

Emphasizes the ongoing experience of managing a disability, highlighting the individual's life circumstances.

affected by a disability

Highlights the impact of the disability on the individual's life.

differently abled

Offers a more positive and empowering perspective, framing disability as a different form of ability.

impaired

Focuses on the functional limitations, often used in medical contexts.

incapacitated

Highlights the inability to perform certain actions, suggesting a more severe limitation.

challenged

Presents disability as a challenge to be overcome, though can be considered euphemistic.

with special needs

Emphasizes the requirement for specific accommodations and support, commonly used in educational settings.

handicapped

While still understood, this term is often considered outdated and less respectful.

having limited mobility

Specifically refers to restrictions in movement.

FAQs

How can I use "disabled" in a sentence?

You can use "disabled" as an adjective before a noun (e.g., "disabled children") or as a noun referring to a group (e.g., "the disabled"). Always prioritize respectful and person-first language when possible.

What are some alternatives to saying "disabled"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "having a disability", "living with a disability", or "differently abled". Consider the specific situation and audience to choose the most appropriate term.

Is it better to say "disabled person" or "person with a disability"?

"Person with a disability" is generally preferred as it emphasizes the person first, rather than defining them solely by their disability. However, some individuals may prefer identity-first language (e.g., "disabled person"), so it's best to be mindful and respectful of individual preferences.

What is the difference between "disabled" and "incapacitated"?

"Disabled" refers to a long-term condition that limits a person's abilities, while "incapacitated" often implies a temporary inability to function normally due to injury, illness, or other circumstances.