What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incapacitated
Example
After the surgery, he was incapacitated for several weeks. [incapacitated: adjective]
Example
The accident left him incapacitated and unable to work. [incapacitated: verb]
disabled
Example
She has been disabled since birth and uses a wheelchair to get around. [disabled: adjective]
Example
The company provides accommodations for disabled employees. [disabled: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disabled is a more common word than incapacitated, especially in everyday language. Disabled is also more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while incapacitated is more specific and often used in medical or legal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between incapacitated and disabled?
Disabled is a more formal word than incapacitated. It is commonly used in legal and medical contexts, as well as in advocacy and social justice movements. Incapacitated is less formal and is typically used in medical contexts to describe a temporary state of physical or mental limitation.
