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handicap

[ˈhændɪkæp]

handicap Definition

  • 1a circumstance that makes progress or success difficult
  • 2a disadvantage imposed on a superior competitor in sports such as golf, horse racing, and competitive sailing in order to make the chances more equal

Using handicap: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "handicap" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    His lack of experience was a handicap in finding a job.

  • Example

    The horse was given a handicap of ten pounds.

  • Example

    The team's injuries were a serious handicap in the game.

  • Example

    Her hearing impairment is a handicap, but she doesn't let it stop her.

handicap Synonyms and Antonyms

Idioms Using handicap

  • a mental handicap

    a condition that affects a person's intellectual ability

    Example

    He was born with a mental handicap and requires special education.

  • a condition that affects a person's physical ability

    Example

    She has a physical handicap that requires her to use a wheelchair.

  • a contest in which one participant or team competes against two or more opponents

    Example

    The wrestler agreed to a handicap match against two other wrestlers.

Phrases with handicap

  • parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities

    Example

    He parked in the handicap spot because he has a disabled placard.

  • describes a building or facility that can be used by people with disabilities

    Example

    The hotel has handicap accessible rooms on the first floor.

  • a race in which horses carry different weights assigned according to their ability, so that all have an equal chance of winning

    Example

    The Grand National is a famous handicap race.

Origins of handicap

from 'hand in cap', a game of chance in which players draw forfeits from a cap or bag

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Summary: handicap in Brief

The term 'handicap' [ˈhændɪkæp] refers to a circumstance that makes progress or success difficult, or a disadvantage imposed on a superior competitor in sports. Examples include 'His lack of experience was a handicap in finding a job.' and 'The horse was given a handicap of ten pounds.' The term extends into phrases like 'handicap accessible,' and idioms like 'a mental handicap,' denoting a condition that affects a person's intellectual ability.

How do native speakers use this expression?