Definitions

handicapped

[han-dee-kapt] / ˈhæn diˌkæpt /

ADJECTIVE

thwarted

Synonyms

STRONG

balked blocked burdened checked curbed deterred encumbered foiled hampered impeded obstructed restrained restricted stymied

Antonyms

WEAK

aided helped supported

ADJECTIVE

(offensive) having a disability

Synonyms

STRONGEST

disabled

STRONG

impaired limited

WEAK

mentally disabled physically disabled

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It has long been handicapped by a rule requiring full consensus among members, meaning decisions are few and far between.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

Hoy’s wife, Kathleen, said her late husband had medical issues, used handicapped parking and though he would sometimes “yell at traffic” she had never known him to draw his weapon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 29, 2025

Efoghe said the Nigerian embassy in Tripoli was "handicapped" and could not intervene because of the political situation.

From BBC • Oct. 14, 2024

Cognitive fluency and watery judicial eyes aside, Arriaga and I are still handicapped without a PC.

From Slate • Sep. 17, 2024

I am very different from that self who drove to Manderley for the first time, hopeful and eager, handicapped by a rather desperate gaucherie and filled with an intense desire to please.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier