disability
noun
dis·abil·i·ty
ˌdis-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
1
: a physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition that impairs, interferes with, or limits a person's ability to engage in certain tasks or actions or participate in typical daily activities and interactions
Scientists have tentatively linked the reading disability known as dyslexia to a bevy of brain disturbances.—
Science News
Science NewsHow, with his severe disability, has Hawking been able to out-think and out-intuit his leading colleague-competitors …—Kip S. Thorne
Kip S. ThorneYet one ends up admiring him for his devotion to the disability that could have unmade his career as an actor. It is through his deafness that we hear his story.—Lennard J. Davis
Lennard J. Davis
also
: impaired function or ability
Sarcopenia is a loss of muscle mass and strength that normally occurs with aging, and it's a major cause of frailty and disability in the elderly. —Andrew Weil
Andrew Weil Thrombolytic therapy has been used in patients with acute ischemic stroke to restore cerebral blood flow, reduce ischemia, and limit neurologic disability. —Werner Hacke
see also intellectual disability, learning disability
Werner Hacke 2
a(1)
: an impairment (such as a chronic medical condition or injury) that prevents someone from engaging in gainful employment
… monthly payment to which a worker is entitled upon retirement or disability under the federal social security system …—Robert I. Mehr
Robert I. Mehr
(2)
: an impairment (such as spina bifida) that results in serious functional limitations for a minor
b
: a program providing financial support to a person affected by disability
… those who fit the criteria for dysthymia were more likely to have physical and emotional problems and more likely to be on Medicaid or Social Security disability than those with acute depression.—Melinda Beck
Melinda Beck
also
: the financial support provided by such a program
… he collects disability on account of his exposure to Agent Orange during his years as an Army MP in Vietnam. —Jason Fagone
Jason Fagone 3
: a disqualification, restriction, or disadvantage
economic disabilities
4
: lack of legal qualification to do something
… Defoe … dramatised the gravity of the problem in the morally desperate expedient which Roxana is forced to adopt to overcome the legal disabilities of women.—Ian Watt
Ian WattExamples of disability in a Sentence
She has learned to keep a positive attitude about her disability.
disabilities such as blindness and deafness
a program for children with disabilities
It's a serious disease that can cause disability or death.
After he injured his back he had to quit his job and go on disability.
Recent Examples on the Web
Children with a qualifying disability are eligible for SSI, according to the Social Security Administration's website.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
Exemptions apply to residents, property owners, students, workers, persons with disabilities and children under 14 years of age.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Natalie Eilbert covers mental health across Wisconsin with a focus on treatment access, disability rights, stigma reduction and suicide prevention.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Their response to stories of disability with particular recognition is equally clear.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disability
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Mike Snider, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
Exemptions apply to residents, property owners, students, workers, persons with disabilities and children under 14 years of age.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Natalie Eilbert covers mental health across Wisconsin with a focus on treatment access, disability rights, stigma reduction and suicide prevention.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Their response to stories of disability with particular recognition is equally clear.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disability
Cite this Entry
“Disability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disability. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
disability
noun
dis·abil·i·ty
ˌdis-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
plural disabilities
1
: the condition of being disabled : lack of ability, power, or fitness to do something
2
: something that disables (as a physical injury)
Medical Definition
disability
noun
dis·abil·i·ty
ˌdis-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
plural disabilities
1
: a physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition that impairs, interferes with, or limits a person's ability to engage in certain tasks or actions or participate in typical daily activities and interactions
Scientists have tentatively linked the reading disability known as dyslexia to a bevy of brain disturbances.—Science News
Science NewsHow, with his severe disability, has Hawking been able to out-think and out-intuit his leading colleague-competitors …—Kip S. Thorne
Kip S. Thorne
also
: impaired function or ability
Thrombolytic therapy has been used in patients with acute ischemic stroke to restore cerebral blood flow, reduce ischemia, and limit neurologic disability. —Werner Hacke
see also intellectual disability, learning disability
Werner Hacke 2
a(1)
: an impairment (as a chronic medical condition or injury) that prevents someone from engaging in gainful employment
(2)
: an impairment (as spina bifida) that results in serious functional limitations for a minor
b
: a program providing financial support to a person affected by disability
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