1
as in disadvantage
a feature of someone or something that creates difficulty for achieving success
her natural shyness was not a handicap when she played chess
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
her uncomfortable shoes became a handicap on the walking tour of the city, as she often had to sit and rest her sore feet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to hamper
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
the baseball player's small size did not handicap him in the least
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of handicap
Washington Post, 23 June 2017
One man, who has a handicap, had to escape through a window, according to media reports.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, kansascity.com, 21 June 2017
Pia Singh, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
The failure of boardroom leadership to evolve beyond this status-quo and antiquated mindset which was imposed in 2002 after the financial reporting crisis that spawned the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, fails investors on these issues and handicaps America’s path to the digital future.
—Bob Zukis, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handicap
Noun
When Britain leaves the EU, British financial services companies would lose the automatic right to operate in all the other 27 EU states, a big handicap.
—Washington Post, 23 June 2017
One man, who has a handicap, had to escape through a window, according to media reports.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, kansascity.com, 21 June 2017
Verb
Looking ahead, Vinh believes the stock could be handicapped by greater competition from Nvidia and a potential slowdown in its China business, as more export restrictions could limit demand for AMD’s chips from Chinese hyperscalers.
—Pia Singh, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
The failure of boardroom leadership to evolve beyond this status-quo and antiquated mindset which was imposed in 2002 after the financial reporting crisis that spawned the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, fails investors on these issues and handicaps America’s path to the digital future.
—Bob Zukis, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handicap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handicap
Noun
-
Everton is looking to break into this group but is at a disadvantage due to a period of financial and sporting uncertainty under its previous ownership, which led to points deductions during the 2022/23 season.—
James Nalton,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Pakistan has long been at a major disadvantage in its wars with India due to its vastly smaller land mass and population.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The Arches is designed for all-around off-roading, while the Cliffhanger is geared toward slow, technical obstacles.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
-
However, the obstacle avoidance technology included in the X10 Pro Omni has a 3D MatrixEye.—
Terri Williams,
Architectural Digest,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The dissatisfaction simmered for years, hampering efforts to combine the automakers fully.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
These financial hurdles can lead to the perception that technology adoption simply isn’t worth it.—
James Lindsey,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Despite these hurdles, experts agree that digital twins represent the future of sports.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Leaders worldwide are promoting minimal AI regulation to drive innovation and avoid hindering growth.—
Art Gilliland,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Being smart with money now, as well as brand building, is crucial to making sure your on-the-field duties are not hindered.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
They are often arranged in multiple staggered rows and embedded into the ground, sometimes accompanied by trenches or additional barriers to enhance their effectiveness.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
-
The barrier, essentially the maritime version of a wall, was meant to deter immigrants from crossing in certain areas.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The department in January ordered prosecutors to investigate for potential criminal charges any state or local officials who obstruct or impede federal functions.—
Alanna Durkin Richer,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Apr. 2025
-
In a January memo, the department instructed prosecutors to consider criminal charges against state and local authorities who obstruct or impede federal operations.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In addition to the concealment charge, Mendoza-Gonzalez was charged with obstruction of justice and abuse of a corpse, police said.—
Clifford Ward,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2025
-
The teenagers are also facing charges of second-degree obstruction of justice and motor vehicle theft.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handicap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handicap. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share