dis·​abled. 1. : impaired or limited by a physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition : affected by disability. 2. : incapacitated by illness, injury, or wounds.

handicap noun (CONDITION) an illness, injury, or condition that makes it difficult for someone to do some things that other people do, and that is usually permanent or lasts for a long time. This word is now considered offensive by many people, who prefer the word disability. Synonym. disability.

Some common synonyms of disable are cripple, debilitate, enfeeble, sap, undermine, and weaken. While all these words mean "to lose or cause to lose strength or vigor," disable suggests bringing about impairment or limitation in a physical or mental ability. disabled by an injury sustained at work.

Although the challenges individuals with disabilities face are unique and idiosyncratic, there are generally four main categories of disabilities – physical, behavioral, developmental, and sensory.