1
as in disadvantage
a feature of someone or something that creates difficulty for achieving success
her natural shyness was not a handicap when she played chess
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2
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
her uncomfortable shoes became a handicap on the walking tour of the city, as she often had to sit and rest her sore feet
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as in to hamper
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
the baseball player's small size did not handicap him in the least
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Cite this Entry
“Handicap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handicap. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on handicap
Nglish: Translation of handicap for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of handicap for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about handicap
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