Definition of "disability" in English

noun

1. (countable, medical model of disability) A condition characterised by a significant limitation in a person's physical or intellectual powers or ability.

   • people with disabilities

2. (uncountable) The state of having such a condition; the state of being disabled.

3. (countable, social model of disability) A limitation in function (the things that a person can do or achieve) that is driven by any combination of their impairments (the medical facts about them) and the imperfect state of society's inaccessibility that sometimes fails to accommodate their needs.

4. (countable, obsolete) An inability.

5. (countable, law) A lack of legal qualification to do something; legal incapacity or incompetency.

6. (uncountable, informal) Regular payments received by a disabled person, usually from the state.

   • I had to go on disability after the accident.
   • Did you get your disability this month?