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ableism
/ˈeɪbəlɪzəm/
discrimination against people with disabilities
The company's hiring practices were criticized for ableism.
The company was accused of unfairly excluding disabled applicants.
formal
Discrimination or prejudice against individuals with disabilities, often based on the assumption that they are inferior or less capable.
Ableism in the workplace can prevent qualified candidates from being hired.
Discrimination against disabled job applicants can occur due to societal biases.
Ableism can manifest in various forms, including physical barriers, exclusionary policies, or harmful stereotypes.
Collocations
ableist languagewords or phrases that perpetuate discrimination against disabled peopleableist attitudesbeliefs that reinforce the inferiority of disabled individuals
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Recognize ableist language
Avoid phrases like 'wheelchair-bound' or 'suffers from a disability'—use person-first language instead (e.g., 'person with a disability').
Gold Rule
Ableism is systemic
Ableism is not just individual prejudice but also embedded in policies, media, and cultural norms.
Word Origin
Derived from 'able' + '-ism' (a suffix indicating a system of discrimination or prejudice). Coined in the late 20th century to describe systemic discrimination against disabled people.
Usage Notes
Ableism is often unintentional and deeply ingrained in societal structures. It can be overt (e.g., refusing to hire disabled individuals) or subtle (e.g., using language that devalues disability).
Word Breakdown
able
capable or having the power to act
root-ism
a system of discrimination or prejudice
suffixEnglish Dictionary