ableism
noun
able·ism
ˈā-bə-ˌli-zəm 
: discrimination or prejudice against individuals with disabilities
Examples of ableism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This assumption is often associated with benevolent ableism, a paternalistic bias that may appear to be an expression of caring but serves to hold back the success of neurodivergent and disabled talent.
—
Ludmila Praslova, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
The ableism of those jokes adds a layer of dustiness.
—Akilah Sailers, Essence, 30 Sep. 2024
Elsewhere, in a section devoted to self-fashioning, Collins highlights the ableism of mainstream fashion design.
—K. L. H. Wells, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2024
Barbarin, who has cerebral palsy, offered her insight on the ableism that’s taken place in these conversations around Boseman, his cancer and his work, and the harm caused by romanticizing and weaponizing the ways in which disabled people choose to live their lives.
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2020
See All Example Sentences for ableism
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Ludmila Praslova, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
The ableism of those jokes adds a layer of dustiness.
—Akilah Sailers, Essence, 30 Sep. 2024
Elsewhere, in a section devoted to self-fashioning, Collins highlights the ableism of mainstream fashion design.
—K. L. H. Wells, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2024
Barbarin, who has cerebral palsy, offered her insight on the ableism that’s taken place in these conversations around Boseman, his cancer and his work, and the harm caused by romanticizing and weaponizing the ways in which disabled people choose to live their lives.
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2020
See All Example Sentences for ableism
Cite this Entry
“Ableism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ableism. Accessed 21 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share