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.

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ableism British  

/ ˈeɪbəlˌɪzəm /

noun

1. discrimination against disabled or handicapped people

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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

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

From Salon • Sep. 21, 2024

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

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

Purple is the colour associated with disability, and ableism relates to discrimination that favours non-disabled people above disabled people.

From BBC • Sep. 29, 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