ableism

American  

[ey-buh-liz-uhm] / ˈeɪ bəˌlɪz əm /

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 British  

/ ˈeɪbəlˌɪzəm /

noun

1. discrimination against disabled or handicapped people

---

Sensitive Note

See able-bodied

Other Word Forms

• ableist adjective

Etymology

Origin of ableism

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

Example Sentences

So, at a glance, the NaNoWriMo statement seems to be coming from an inclusive place, citing that A.I. can help address classism, ableism, and general access issues.

From Slate • Sep. 11, 2024

This is why now more than ever when discussing concert etiquette, accessibility and ableism must be at the forefront of the ever-evolving conversation.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2024

Last year, she published her debut novella, “Nebula Vibrations,” which deftly combines a deep-space, sci-fi setting with thoughtful examinations of ableism and privilege.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 6, 2023

I know that’s my anxiety and internalized ableism talking, but I can’t get that voice out of my head.

From New York Times • May 14, 2023

Disability can sometimes infantilise people and make them feel unworthy of certain experiences that other people think of as just normal - some disabled people call this internalised ableism.

From BBC • May 8, 2023