handicap
han
ˈhæn
hān
di
di
di
cap
kæp
kāp
handclap

Definition & Meaning of "handicap"in English

Handicap
01

a condition that impairs a person's mental or physical functions 

handicap definition and meaning
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Abstract
Composition
Compound
Countable
Plural form
handicaps
02

a set of rules or conditions that are put in place to balance the game and give a disadvantaged player a better chance of winning 

What is a "handicap"?

A handicap is a set of adjustments or conditions designed to give a player who is at a disadvantage a fairer chance of winning. These adjustments can involve giving the weaker player extra points, advantages, or making the game more challenging for the stronger player. The purpose of a handicap is to level the playing field and create a more balanced, competitive experience, ensuring that both players have an opportunity to win, regardless of their skill or ability. Handicaps are commonly used in sports, games, and competitions to promote fairness.

03

something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress 

04

a numerical measure of a golf player's ability, used to level the playing field in competition 

What is a "handicap"?

A handicap in golf is a system used to adjust a player's score based on their skill level, allowing players of different abilities to compete fairly. It is a number that represents how many strokes above par a player is expected to shoot on average. A higher handicap indicates a less experienced or skilled golfer, while a lower handicap shows a more skilled player. When playing in a competition, a player's handicap is subtracted from their total score to determine their final score, making the game more balanced and enjoyable for all players.

Examples
Players with a lower handicap are expected to perform better in tournaments. 
to handicap
01

to weaken or hinder someone's ability, often by causing them to become disabled or less capable 

Grammatical Information
Composition
derived
Action verb
Regular
Present tense
handicap
3rd person singular
handicaps
Present participle
handicapping
Past simple
handicapped
Past participle
handicapped
Examples
The injury handicapped him, making it difficult to perform daily tasks. 
02

put at a disadvantage 

03

to assign weights to horses in a race based on their perceived ability, in order to equalize their chances of winning 

Examples
They hired a professional to help handicap the challenging race. 
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