: capable of unimpaired function
Again, the design is physically helpful for the less abled, more comfortable because it eliminates the strap-across-the-lower-neck sensation of standard belts …Royal Ford

Examples of abled in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web From the earlier days of the virus, the Balkonsänger referred to those singing from their balcony to raise spirits (or irritate neighbors…), while the Einkaufshelfer describes those community minded souls who shop for the less abled or quarantined. Duncan Madden, Forbes, 16 Apr. 2021 Born Nadia, Vicky was raised at the Red River Institute, a group home for super-abled children that's owned by a subsidiary of Vought International. Nick Romano, EW.com, 3 June 2022 The norm that every abled person receiving cash payments should be seeking a job can also be challenged. Michael W. Howard, Scientific American, 6 Jan. 2023 From senior citizens to an abled person curious about alternative ways to ride a bike, the program is welcoming. Steven Aquino, Forbes, 13 May 2022 The experience is similar for the X1 Remote; the ability to speak commands or requests allows users of various disabilities (visual, motor, and/or cognitive) to use their cable interface with the same fluidity as an abled person. Steven Aquino, Forbes, 20 May 2021 There are sick bodies and bodies with disabilities, both of which require their inhabitants to navigate different landscapes than the ones encountered by healthy or abled people. Dana Snitzky, Longreads, 18 Sep. 2019 The criteria of the law apply equally to abled and disabled alike. Chris Eaton, Twin Cities, 15 Sep. 2019 Things that are considered luxury amenities for abled people are often necessities for people with disabilities. Wendy Lu, Quartz, 8 Aug. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'abled.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

extracted from disabled

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of abled was in 1946

Dictionary Entries Near abled

Cite this Entry

“Abled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abled. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

abled

adjective
: capable of unimpaired function
the senior citizens, those less abled in some wayRichard Hair
compare differently abled

More from Merriam-Webster on abled

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