noun / verb

handicap

HAN-dee-kap/ˈhændikæp/

A disadvantage that increases the difficulty of success.

The heavy pack is a handicap for one hiker on the slope.

Two hikers climb the same slope while one carries an unnecessarily heavy pack, an added disadvantage without disability stereotypes.

Etymology

handEnglishhand

+iEnglishin

+capEnglishcap, hat

“Hand in cap” named a betting game in which an umpire set the odds. Its name passed to extra weight imposed on superior racehorses, then to a disadvantage that makes success harder.

In context

Brandon Sanderson49:43

wouldn't have one arm instead of two? But that's not the theme of the narrative. The narrative is about this person who has a handicap needs to work within this handicap in order to achieve what they want to do.

Lecture #5: Worldbuilding Part One — Brandon Sanderson on Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy

More examples

Limited funding handicaps our research team.
Her lack of experience is a handicap in job interviews.
The stronger player accepts a handicap to keep the match fair.

Forms

handicap · handicaps · handicapped · handicapping

Similar words

disadvantage: A broader term for any unfavorable condition or position.
hindrance: Emphasizes something that slows progress or interferes with action.
obstacle: Usually identifies a specific barrier that must be overcome.