ableism

[ ey-buh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. discrimination against disabled people:

   laws to prevent ableism, racism, and sexism in the workplace.

2. the tendency to regard people with a disability as incomplete, diminished, or damaged, and to measure the quality of life with a disability against a nondisabled standard:

   Ableism reinforces the idea that disability is a personal tragedy.

ableism

/ ˈeɪbəlˌɪzəm /

noun

1. discrimination against disabled or handicapped people

Sensitive Note

See able-bodied

Other Words From

• able·ist adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ableism¹

First recorded in 1980–85; able ( def ) + -ism ( def )

Example Sentences

The debate has sparked allegations of ableism, ruined legacies, inspired a new Louis Theroux documentary, and an international conversation about the power dynamics between disabled people and those who care for them.

From BBC

For disabled viewers, “A Different Man” is open about topics like ableism and society’s inability to learn about people with disabilities.

From Salon

King's research into the subject of ableism against neurodiverse people confirms Graham's observations.

From Salon

Criticisms online stated that her comments were "pure ableism & glaring privilege."

From Salon

Pop icon Madonna is in hot water for a recent comment about a fan in a wheelchair at one of her concerts, igniting debate on ableism and accessibility.

From Salon