Handicap vs. Handicapped — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 5, 2023
Handicap refers to a disadvantage or barrier; Handicapped describes someone with a disability or condition affecting functionality.
Difference Between Handicap and Handicapped
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Handicap is a term that denotes a disadvantage or barrier that makes achievement unusually difficult. This can pertain to a range of situations, from sports to life challenges. Handicapped, on the other hand, is an adjective describing someone with a disability or condition that affects their ability to perform certain tasks.
The word Handicap can be used in various contexts, like golf, where it represents a measure of a player's capability. Here, it doesn't refer to a disability. In contrast, when someone is described as Handicapped, it typically pertains to a physical or mental condition limiting their functionality.
It's worth noting that while Handicap can relate to an abstract concept or a physical barrier, Handicapped is more direct, relating to the individual's capabilities. This difference in application makes Handicap more versatile, while Handicapped is more specific.
Over time, the term Handicapped has become less favored in many cultures, with "person with a disability" or "differently-abled" being more accepted. Yet, Handicap, when referring to barriers or conditions unrelated to disabilities, remains consistent in its usage.
Cultural shifts have influenced the perception of these words. For many, Handicap is neutral, especially in sports. However, calling someone Handicapped can be seen as reducing the person to their condition, which can be offensive to some.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Nature
Noun (mostly)
Adjective
Usage
Disadvantage or barrier
Describes someone with a disability
Contexts
Sports, challenges, barriers
Referring to physical/mental conditions
General Perception
Neutral or descriptive
Can be considered outdated or potentially offensive
Application
Situational or related to conditions/challenges
Directly related to an individual's capabilities
Compare with Definitions
Handicap
Handicap signifies a disadvantage.
Lack of experience is a Handicap in the job market.
Handicapped
Handicapped describes someone with a disability.
He is Handicapped and uses a wheelchair.
Handicap
Handicap can be a measure of a golfer's ability.
With a Handicap of 5, she's one of the best in the club.
Handicapped
Handicapped suggests a reduction in capability.
Although Handicapped, she has achieved great success in her field.
Handicap
Handicap can be a physical or situational barrier.
The lack of ramps is a Handicap for wheelchair users at that building.
Handicapped
Handicapped pertains to individuals, not situations.
Handicapped parking spaces are reserved for those with specific needs.
Handicap
A circumstance that makes progress or success difficult
Not being able to drive was something of a handicap
Handicapped
Handicapped can reference physical or mental conditions.
Some people are Handicapped from birth due to genetic conditions.
Handicap
A condition that markedly restricts a person's ability to function physically, mentally, or socially
He was born with a significant visual handicap
Handicapped
Handicapped can denote limited functionality.
The accident left him Handicapped in his right leg.
Handicap
A disadvantage imposed on a superior competitor in sports such as golf, horse racing, and competitive sailing in order to make the chances more equal.
Handicapped
(of a person) having a condition that markedly restricts their ability to function physically, mentally, or socially
His third child was born severely handicapped
A special school for handicapped children
Handicap
Act as an impediment to
Lack of funding has handicapped the development of research
Handicapped
Physically or mentally disabled
A pool equipped for handicapped swimmers.
Handicap
A race or contest in which contestants are given advantages or compensations to equalize the chances of winning.
Handicapped
Intended for people who have a disability
A handicapped parking space.
Handicap
Such an advantage or penalty.
Handicapped
People who have a disability considered as a group. Often used with the.
Handicap
Usage Problem A physical or mental disability. See Usage Note at handicapped.
Handicapped
Simple past tense and past participle of handicap
Handicap
A disadvantage or inconvenience.
Handicapped
Having a handicap.
Handicap
Sports & Games To assign handicaps or a handicap to (a contestant).
Handicapped
(derogatory) Limited by an impediment of some kind.
Handicap
To cause to be at a disadvantage; impede.
Handicapped
(India) A disabled person.
Handicap
Handicapped.
Handicapped
Suffering from a handicap (in senses 4 or 5); disabled; at a disadvantage.
Handicap
Something that prevents, hampers, or hinders.
Age is often a handicap.
Handicapped
Incapacitated by injury or illness
Handicap
(sports) An allowance of a certain amount of time or distance in starting, granted in a race (or other contest of skill) to the competitor possessing disadvantages; or an additional weight or other hindrance imposed upon the one possessing advantages, in order to equalize, as much as possible, the chances of success.
The older boy won, even though his opponent had been granted a handicap of five meters.
A handicap in chess often involves removal of the queen's rook.
Handicap
(sometimes considered offensive) The disadvantage itself, in particular physical or mental disadvantages of people.
Handicap
A race or similar contest in which there is an allowance of time, distance, weight, or other advantage, to equalize the chances of the competitors.
Handicap
An old card game, similar to lanterloo.
Handicap
Syn of hand-in-cap
Handicap
(transitive) To encumber with a handicap in any contest.
Handicap
To place at disadvantage.
The candidate was handicapped by her lack of experience.
Handicap
To estimate betting odds.
Grandpa Andy would buy the racing form the day ahead of time so he could handicap the race before he even arrived at the track.
Handicap
An allowance of a certain amount of time or distance in starting, granted in a race to the competitor possessing inferior advantages; or an additional weight or other hindrance imposed upon the one possessing superior advantages, in order to equalize, as much as possible, the chances of success; as, the handicap was five seconds, or ten pounds, and the like.
Handicap
A race, for horses or men, or any contest of agility, strength, or skill, in which there is an allowance of time, distance, weight, or other advantage, to equalize the chances of the competitors.
Handicap
An old game at cards.
Handicap
A physical or mental disability of the body which makes normal human activities more difficult or impossible; as, his deformed leg was a major handicap in walking.
Handicap
Any disadvantage that makes an activity more difficult or impossible; as, insufficient capital was a big handicap in competing against Microsoft.
Handicap
To encumber with a handicap in any contest; hence, in general, to place at disadvantage; as, the candidate was heavily handicapped.
Handicap
The condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness;
Reading disability
Hearing impairment
Handicap
Advantage given to a competitor to equalize chances of winning
Handicap
Something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
Handicap
Injure permanently;
He was disabled in a car accident
Handicap
Attempt to forecast the winner (especially in a horse race) and assign odds for or against a contestant
Handicap
Put at a disadvantage;
The brace I have to wear is hindering my movements
Handicap
Handicap represents a challenge to overcome.
His lack of funding was a significant Handicap to his project.
Handicap
Handicap denotes a situation making success difficult.
The team's main Handicap was its poor coordination.
Common Curiosities
Is Handicap always about disabilities?
No, Handicap can refer to any disadvantage or barrier, not just disabilities.
What does Handicapped mean?
Handicapped describes someone with a physical or mental disability affecting their functionality.
What is a Handicap?
A Handicap refers to a disadvantage, barrier, or challenge making achievement harder.
Can Handicap relate to sports?
Yes, in sports like golf, a Handicap measures a player's capability.
Can both terms be used interchangeably?
No, while Handicap is versatile, Handicapped specifically relates to individuals with disabilities.
Is the term "Handicapped" outdated?
Many believe so, preferring more positive or neutral terms.
Is there a specific context where using Handicapped is more accepted?
Using it in historical or medical contexts can be more accepted, but always be sensitive to your audience.
Is it polite to call someone Handicapped?
Many consider it outdated or potentially offensive; terms like "person with a disability" are preferred.
Should I avoid using Handicapped?
It's a good practice to use more inclusive terms unless discussing in a specific or historical context.
How has the use of these terms evolved over time?
Handicap remains consistent, especially in sports, but Handicapped has become less favored due to changing perceptions.
Is Handicap used in contexts outside of disabilities?
Yes, Handicap can relate to barriers, challenges, or situations, even in sports.
Which term is broader in application?
Handicap has a broader application, while Handicapped is more specific to individuals.
Why is "Handicapped" seen as potentially offensive?
It can reduce a person to their condition, overlooking their individuality and capabilities.
Can Handicapped relate to temporary conditions?
Yes, someone can be temporarily Handicapped due to an injury or illness.
What's a good alternative to Handicapped?
Terms like "person with a disability" or "differently-abled" are more accepted and respectful alternatives.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Plaque vs. Plack
Next Comparison
Cacao vs. CocoaAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
