an illness, injury, or condition that makes it difficult for someone to do some things that other people do, and that is usually permanent or lasts for a long time. This word is now considered offensive by many people, who prefer the word disability.
something that makes it difficult for you to do something:
I found that not having a car was quite a handicap while on holiday.
a disadvantage given to a person taking part in a game or competition in order to reduce their chances of winning, or a sports event in which such disadvantages are given:
Handicaps give people with different abilities an equal chance of winning.
My current golf handicap is nine.
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to make something more difficult to do:
Rescue efforts have been handicapped by rough seas and hurricane-force winds.
a physical or mental condition that makes ordinary activities more difficult than they are for other people:
His loss of hearing was a severe handicap.
something that causes unusual difficulties:
Their lack of knowledge of computer programming was not much of a handicap for them.
(in a sports competition) a disadvantage given to a strong competitor in order to give weaker competitors a better chance of winning:
a golf handicap
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to make something unusually difficult:
Rescue efforts have been handicapped by bad weather.