What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
debilitating
Example
The debilitating disease left her bedridden for months. [debilitating: adjective]
Example
The intense heat was debilitating, and many people suffered from heat exhaustion. [debilitating: gerund or present participle]
disabling
Example
The accident resulted in a disabling injury that left him unable to walk. [disabling: adjective]
Example
The lack of accessibility in the building was disabling for people with mobility impairments. [disabling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disabling is more commonly used than debilitating in everyday language, especially in the context of disabilities or physical limitations. Debilitating is less common and tends to be used more in medical or technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between debilitating and disabling?
Both debilitating and disabling are formal words that are appropriate for use in professional or academic contexts. However, debilitating may be slightly more formal due to its association with medical terminology.
