significant handicap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant handicap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a major disadvantage or obstacle that affects someone's ability to perform or succeed in a particular context. Example: "The athlete faced a significant handicap due to an injury that limited their training."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Every show that plays at 10 p.m. also carries a significant handicap now.

The New York Times

The lack of permanent leadership is a significant handicap, according to current and former regulators.

The New York Times

Compared with hip-hop heroes like these, Jay-Z has a significant handicap: he's alive and well.

The New York Times - Arts

In 2008, according to the conventional wisdom touted by campaign books, Bill's indiscipline was a significant handicap to her.

The New Yorker

Today, consumers use them to buy nearly everything, from groceries to gasoline to psychic hotline calls, and not having one can be a significant handicap.

The New York Times

Resentment toward Karzai's corrupt administration has shaded over into anger at the international coalition that empowered him, and this anger has proven to be a significant handicap on international state-building efforts.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"Significant handicaps regarding transportation have never been addressed.

The New York Times

A few do well despite significant handicaps; most suffer a tragic downhill course.

The New York Times - Health

The inclusion criteria were: age ≤ 75 years, clinical diagnosis of COPD in a stable condition for at least 4 weeks, the ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second over forced expiratory volume (FEV1/FVC ratio) ≤ 70% and FEV1 ≤ 70%, and free of significant handicapping disease.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

The benefits of physical examination for children, if financially supported, are essentially fourfold: First of all, some impairments and physical changes associated with diseases, which parents may be unaware of due to limited medical knowledge, can cause significant disability or handicap.

BMC Public Health

This was a significant marketing handicap as titles are frequently used by theatre-goers in searching and buying tickets online.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant handicap", ensure the context clearly defines what is being hindered and the degree of impact. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the argument or description.

Common error

Avoid using "significant handicap" when the disadvantage is minor or easily overcome. Overstating the issue can weaken your credibility and create a perception of exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant handicap" primarily functions as a noun phrase that describes a condition or situation that imposes a disadvantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used to highlight a notable impediment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

53%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant handicap" is a grammatically sound and commonly employed term used to describe a notable disadvantage or impediment. According to Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted and appears frequently in News & Media and Science. Usage examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian highlight its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and precision to avoid exaggeration. Alternatives such as "major disadvantage" or "serious impediment" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major disadvantage

Replaces 'handicap' with 'disadvantage', emphasizing the unfavorable condition.

substantial disadvantage

Emphasizes the size or degree of the disadvantage.

serious impediment

Substitutes 'handicap' with 'impediment', highlighting the obstruction or hindrance.

considerable obstacle

Replaces 'handicap' with 'obstacle', underscoring the challenge or barrier that must be overcome.

severe limitation

Focuses on the restriction or constraint imposed by the handicap.

notable setback

Replaces the entire phrase, focusing on the negative impact as a delay or reversal of progress.

major stumbling block

Uses a more metaphorical term, 'stumbling block', to represent the difficulty.

critical weakness

Highlights the aspect of vulnerability or deficiency.

significant disadvantageous situation

Rephrases the sentence to describe the situation as disadvantageous instead of a handicap.

grave encumbrance

Replaces 'handicap' with a more formal term, 'encumbrance', suggesting a burden or impediment.

FAQs

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

You can use "significant handicap" to describe a major disadvantage affecting someone's ability to succeed. For example, "The lack of funding represents a "significant handicap" for the research team".

What are some alternatives to "significant handicap"?

You can use alternatives such as "major disadvantage", "serious impediment", or "considerable obstacle" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "significant handicap" or "major disadvantage"?

Both "significant handicap" and "major disadvantage" are correct, but the choice depends on the context. "Significant handicap" might imply a more specific or recognized impediment, while "major disadvantage" is more general.

What's the difference between "significant handicap" and "minor setback"?

"Significant handicap" refers to a substantial and potentially long-term impediment, while "minor setback" describes a temporary or less impactful obstacle. The severity of the impact is the key difference.