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

On the ground in Bosnia, we were handicapped daily by extremely contradictory and restrictive orders written back in the U.N.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

Some clearly display handicapped plaques as they go to the store.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2025

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

From BBC • Oct. 14, 2024

He is neither disabled, handicapped, nor developmentally delayed in any way, so there was no reason to assume anyone would take issue with his admittance to Beecher Prep—whether it is an inclusion school or not.

From "Wonder" by R. J. Palacio