handicap

/ˈhændɪkæp/

a disadvantage or obstacle

Her physical disability was a handicap in her job search.

Her physical disability made it harder for her to find a job.

general

a disadvantage that makes success more difficult

The lack of funding was a major handicap for the project.

The project struggled because it didn't have enough money.

Can refer to physical, social, or systemic disadvantages.

Sports

a system of giving advantages to weaker competitors to equalize chances

The golf tournament used a handicap system to level the playing field.

Players were given advantages based on skill to make the competition fairer.

Common in golf and other sports where skill levels vary.

Collocations

handicap parkingparking spaces reserved for people with disabilitieshandicap accessibledesigned to accommodate people with disabilities

designed for people with disabilities

Use 'disability' instead of 'handicap' when referring to people.

Prefer 'person with a disability' over 'handicapped person'.

From Middle French 'handicaper' (to take a horse's hand), possibly from 'hand in cap' (a medieval gambling game).

In modern usage, the term is often replaced with 'disability' to avoid negative connotations.

hand

physical or literal hand

root

-icap

possibly from 'cap' in the game 'hand in cap'

suffix

English Dictionary