face a handicap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face a handicap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing challenges or obstacles that someone encounters, particularly in contexts related to disabilities or disadvantages. Example: "Despite having to face a handicap, she excelled in her studies and became a role model for others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yes, they liberalize trade for the parties involved, but outsiders then face a handicap.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Michael Gove, the education secretary, wants to lengthen the school day to bring Britain into line with more diligent Asian countries lest it continue to face a "significant handicap" in the global race.

The Economist

The numbers have been seized on by Mr. Gingrich and Rick Santorum as evidence that Mr. Romney would face a substantial handicap in the fall were he to become the nominee.

The New York Times

The observations and judgments of all stigmatized minorities are frequently discounted, but people with disabilities face a distinct handicap.

SEP

One of the problems I've always feared is that should we elect a Democratic president in this country, he or she might face a domestic handicap among that most unlikely of sources: liberals.

Huffington Post

Those who opposed the plan faced a double handicap.

The Economist

Now as it struggles for relevance it faces a considerable handicap because of its democratic structure.

The Guardian

They faced KroniK in a handicap match with a two-minute time limit.

Wikipedia

On the March 17 episode of Raw, London and Kendrick faced Umaga in a handicap match.

Wikipedia

A handicap faced by many of these emigrating doctors is their advanced age, around 30.

Science Magazine

Punk was then scheduled to face Axel and Heyman in a handicap elimination match at Night of Champions, later adding a No Disqualification to the stipulation.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "face a handicap" when you want to emphasize that someone or something is dealing with a disadvantage that affects their ability to succeed or compete. Be mindful of the context to ensure sensitivity when referring to disabilities or personal challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "face a handicap" in contexts where it might sound insensitive or stigmatizing, especially when referring to individuals with disabilities. Opt for more respectful and person-first language, such as "living with a disability" or "facing challenges related to a health condition".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face a handicap" functions as a verb phrase, where "face" is the verb and "a handicap" is the noun phrase acting as the object. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. The phrase indicates encountering or dealing with a disadvantage or obstacle.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "face a handicap" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes encountering or dealing with a disadvantage. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. Its register is generally neutral to professional. While the phrase is widely accepted, it’s important to be mindful of the context and consider more sensitive alternatives when referring to individuals with disabilities. Key alternatives include "confront a disadvantage" and "encounter an obstacle". The phrase appears frequently in news and media, science, and wiki sources, reflecting its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confront a disadvantage

Replaces "handicap" with "disadvantage", emphasizing the unfavorable condition being encountered.

encounter an obstacle

Substitutes "handicap" with "obstacle", highlighting the impediment that needs to be overcome.

grapple with a limitation

Replaces "face" with "grapple with" and "handicap" with "limitation", suggesting a struggle with a restrictive condition.

contend with a setback

Uses "contend with" instead of "face" and "setback" in place of "handicap", emphasizing a reversal or delay in progress.

overcome a challenge

Shifts the focus to overcoming a "challenge" rather than simply facing a "handicap".

deal with adversity

Emphasizes the difficult or unfavorable conditions being faced.

navigate a difficulty

Highlights the process of maneuvering through a challenging situation.

bear a burden

Suggests carrying a heavy or oppressive load, similar to dealing with a disadvantage.

meet with resistance

Focuses on the opposition or impediment being encountered.

be up against it

An idiomatic expression indicating that someone is facing significant difficulties.

FAQs

What does it mean to "face a handicap"?

To "face a handicap" means to encounter a disadvantage or obstacle that makes something more difficult to achieve. This phrase often implies that someone is dealing with a condition or circumstance that puts them at a disadvantage compared to others.

How can I use "face a handicap" in a sentence?

You can use "face a handicap" to describe any situation where someone is at a disadvantage. For example: "Due to limited resources, the project team had to face a handicap in completing the research."

What are some alternatives to saying "face a handicap"?

Some alternatives to "face a handicap" include using the phrases "confront a disadvantage", "encounter an obstacle", or "overcome a challenge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "face a handicap" when referring to disabilities?

While grammatically correct, using "face a handicap" to describe individuals with disabilities can sometimes be perceived as insensitive. It's often better to use person-first language and focus on the specific challenges they "face a difficulty", rather than defining them by a "handicap".