disability
noun
dis·abil·i·ty
ˌdis-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
1
: a physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition that impairs, interferes with, or limits a person's ability to engage in certain tasks or actions or participate in typical daily activities and interactions
Scientists have tentatively linked the reading disability known as dyslexia to a bevy of brain disturbances.—
Science News
Science NewsHow, with his severe disability, has Hawking been able to out-think and out-intuit his leading colleague-competitors …—Kip S. Thorne
Kip S. ThorneYet one ends up admiring him for his devotion to the disability that could have unmade his career as an actor. It is through his deafness that we hear his story.—Lennard J. Davis
Lennard J. Davis
also
: impaired function or ability
Sarcopenia is a loss of muscle mass and strength that normally occurs with aging, and it's a major cause of frailty and disability in the elderly. —Andrew Weil
Andrew Weil Thrombolytic therapy has been used in patients with acute ischemic stroke to restore cerebral blood flow, reduce ischemia, and limit neurologic disability. —Werner Hacke
see also intellectual disability, learning disability
Werner Hacke 2
a(1)
: an impairment (such as a chronic medical condition or injury) that prevents someone from engaging in gainful employment
… monthly payment to which a worker is entitled upon retirement or disability under the federal social security system …—Robert I. Mehr
Robert I. Mehr
(2)
: an impairment (such as spina bifida) that results in serious functional limitations for a minor
b
: a program providing financial support to a person affected by disability
… those who fit the criteria for dysthymia were more likely to have physical and emotional problems and more likely to be on Medicaid or Social Security disability than those with acute depression.—Melinda Beck
Melinda Beck
also
: the financial support provided by such a program
… he collects disability on account of his exposure to Agent Orange during his years as an Army MP in Vietnam. —Jason Fagone
Jason Fagone 3
: a disqualification, restriction, or disadvantage
economic disabilities
4
: lack of legal qualification to do something
… Defoe … dramatised the gravity of the problem in the morally desperate expedient which Roxana is forced to adopt to overcome the legal disabilities of women.—Ian Watt
Ian WattExamples of disability in a Sentence
She has learned to keep a positive attitude about her disability.
disabilities such as blindness and deafness
a program for children with disabilities
It's a serious disease that can cause disability or death.
After he injured his back he had to quit his job and go on disability.
Recent Examples on the Web
Better data collection techniques — and including people with disabilities in the conversations — will help policy makers make informed decisions.
—Michael Roppolo, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2024
In addition, for the 2024 program, onscreen leads are 56% women/gender non-conforming, 45% BIPOC, and 11% representing talent with disabilities.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 30 Apr. 2024
In addition, for the 2024 program, onscreen leads are 56 percent women/gender non-conforming, 45 percent BIPOC and 11 percent representing talent with disabilities.
—Kimberly Nordyke, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Apr. 2024
In part, that's because the district has had to use its core funding to pay for a larger portion of costs for special services that used to be covered more by separate federal and state funds, including those for students with disabilities, English language learners and students in poverty.
—Rory Linnane, Journal Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2024
Black and Native American families, poor families, and parents or children with disabilities experience even more oversight.
—Kristin Jones, NPR, 25 Apr. 2024
However, due to its design, getting out of the chair may be a bit of a challenge for those shorter in height or with disabilities.
—Nicole Pyles, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2024
Across the 12 Arizona schools that made U.S. News & World Report's top 100 high schools, students with disabilities made up less than three percent of the student population, compared to around 13% statewide.
—The Arizona Republic, 23 Apr. 2024
Dessi, whose organization helps people with disabilities and those injured by war, said 12 truckloads of wheelchairs and crutches had been waiting since January to cross from Jordan.
—USA TODAY, 23 Apr. 2024
Michael Roppolo, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2024
In addition, for the 2024 program, onscreen leads are 56% women/gender non-conforming, 45% BIPOC, and 11% representing talent with disabilities.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 30 Apr. 2024
In addition, for the 2024 program, onscreen leads are 56 percent women/gender non-conforming, 45 percent BIPOC and 11 percent representing talent with disabilities.
—Kimberly Nordyke, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Apr. 2024
In part, that's because the district has had to use its core funding to pay for a larger portion of costs for special services that used to be covered more by separate federal and state funds, including those for students with disabilities, English language learners and students in poverty.
—Rory Linnane, Journal Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2024
Black and Native American families, poor families, and parents or children with disabilities experience even more oversight.
—Kristin Jones, NPR, 25 Apr. 2024
However, due to its design, getting out of the chair may be a bit of a challenge for those shorter in height or with disabilities.
—Nicole Pyles, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2024
Across the 12 Arizona schools that made U.S. News & World Report's top 100 high schools, students with disabilities made up less than three percent of the student population, compared to around 13% statewide.
—The Arizona Republic, 23 Apr. 2024
Dessi, whose organization helps people with disabilities and those injured by war, said 12 truckloads of wheelchairs and crutches had been waiting since January to cross from Jordan.
—USA TODAY, 23 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disability.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near disability
Cite this Entry
“Disability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disability. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
disability
noun
dis·abil·i·ty
ˌdis-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
plural disabilities
1
: the condition of being disabled : lack of ability, power, or fitness to do something
2
: something that disables (as a physical injury)
Medical Definition
disability
noun
dis·abil·i·ty
ˌdis-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
plural disabilities
1
: a physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition that impairs, interferes with, or limits a person's ability to engage in certain tasks or actions or participate in typical daily activities and interactions
Scientists have tentatively linked the reading disability known as dyslexia to a bevy of brain disturbances.—Science News
Science NewsHow, with his severe disability, has Hawking been able to out-think and out-intuit his leading colleague-competitors …—Kip S. Thorne
Kip S. Thorne
also
: impaired function or ability
Thrombolytic therapy has been used in patients with acute ischemic stroke to restore cerebral blood flow, reduce ischemia, and limit neurologic disability. —Werner Hacke
see also intellectual disability, learning disability
Werner Hacke 2
a(1)
: an impairment (as a chronic medical condition or injury) that prevents someone from engaging in gainful employment
(2)
: an impairment (as spina bifida) that results in serious functional limitations for a minor
b
: a program providing financial support to a person affected by disability
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share