handicapped

adjective

hand·​i·​capped ˈhan-di-ˌkapt How to pronounce handicapped (audio) -dē- How to pronounce handicapped (audio)
Synonyms of handicappednext
sometimes offensive
: having a physical or mental disability
also : of or reserved for disabled persons
handicapped parking spaces

Examples of handicapped in a Sentence

He has been handicapped since his motorcycle accident.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Catalina suffers from an unspecified mental disability, which Saavedra, who is not handicapped, performs in an arguably inappropriate register of fidgety hands and shifty-eyed glances. Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 16 May 2026 Still, there are a few handicapped-accessible rooms, and all of the restaurants and public areas have ramps. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 May 2026 Closures may impact some handicapped parking spaces, but staff will designate an equal number of temporary ADA-compliant spaces for use, officials said. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026 The measure also allows vehicles displaying valid disabled parking permits or plates to occupy more than one non-handicapped parking space. Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026 In addition to the charging stalls, the lot will have eight parking spaces for non-electric vehicles, also one for handicapped drivers of electric vehicles and one for handicapped drivers of non-electric vehicles. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026 Citing a letter from Clancy’s physician’s assistant, Reddington explained that his client can’t use a handicapped bathroom on her own, has no control over her bodily functions, and would at times need a stretcher or gurney. Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 2026 The stranger also made racist statements, which McGaha said were because he was parked in a handicapped space. Nathalie Marie Palacios, CBS News, 28 Dec. 2025 Even looking to purchase handicapped tickets is difficult, Nieder said, crediting Ticketmaster with having ADA seating readily available at venues. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of handicapped was in 1884

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Cite this Entry

“Handicapped.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handicapped. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

handicapped

adjective
1
sometimes offensive : having a physical or mental disability
2
: of or reserved for individuals with a physical disability
handicapped parking spaces

Medical Definition

handicapped

adjective
hand·​i·​capped -ˌkapt How to pronounce handicapped (audio)
sometimes offensive
: having a physical or mental disability
also : of or reserved for individuals with a physical disability
handicapped parking spaces

Legal Definition

handicapped

adjective
han·​di·​capped
: having a disability that substantially limits a major life activity (as caring for oneself, working, or having sensory functions)

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