plural disabilities
1
: a condition (such as an illness or an injury) that damages or limits a person's physical or mental abilities
She has learned to keep a positive attitude about her disability.
disabilities such as blindness and deafness
a program for children with disabilities
2
: the condition of being unable to do things in the normal way : the condition of being disabled
It's a serious disease that can cause disability or death.
3
US
: a program that provides financial support to a disabled person
After he injured his back he had to quit his job and go on disability.
Cite this Entry
“Disability.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/disability. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
