people collectively who are crippled or otherwise physically handicapped
"technology to help the elderly and the disabled"
One who is disabled. (often used collectively as the disabled, but sometimes also singular)
"The organization recently launched a new initiative specifically designed to support the needs of the disabled community."
In plain English: A disabled person is someone who has a physical or mental condition that makes it hard for them to do everyday things without help.
"The disabled have access to a dedicated parking spot near the entrance."
Usage: Use "disabled" as a noun to refer collectively to people with disabilities, such as in the phrase "the disabled," but avoid using it as a singular noun like "a disabled." Instead, describe an individual by their specific condition or identity, for example, "a person with a disability."
simple past tense and past participle of disable
"After he was disabled by a severe heart attack, he had to learn how to live independently again."
In plain English: To disable something means to make it stop working so it cannot be used anymore.
"The old generator finally disabled after running nonstop for three days."
Usage: Use "disabled" to describe something that has been rendered useless or unable to function, such as a machine that broke down after being disabled by an error. Avoid using it to mean simply turned off unless the device was intentionally made inoperable through damage or interference.
having restricted mental or physical functioning as a consequence of injury or illness
"After her car accident left him unable to walk, he began his journey toward becoming disabled again, relying on a wheelchair for daily tasks."
Made incapable of use or action.
"The sudden power surge left half the city's streetlights disabled, plunging the neighborhood into darkness."
In plain English: Disabled means having a physical or mental condition that makes it hard to do certain things without help.
"The disabled ramp allowed people in wheelchairs to enter the building easily."
Usage: Use "disabled" as an adjective to describe equipment, systems, or features that are intentionally turned off or rendered inoperable for safety or maintenance reasons. Avoid using it to refer to people, as modern usage prefers person-first language like "person with a disability."
The word disabled comes from combining the verb disable with the past tense suffix -ed. It entered English as a regular formation to describe someone who has been made unable to function or perform an action.