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 ultimate indication that Jesus’ healings are not mere expressions of ableism comes through the stories of his own death and resurrection.

From Time

Thompson, who says she’s seen both racism and ableism during the pandemic, said that lack of empathy can feel like it’s coming not just from other individuals, but from the government too.

From TIme

Throughout American history, disabled women have lived with sexism and ableism.

From Washington Blade

I can’t help but think that there’s some ableism in Yanagihara’s depiction of Charlie.

From Washington Blade

In fact, the clause has been expanded to cover complaints around racism, ableism or anti-LGBTQ discrimination.

From TechCrunch

Be aware of racism, classism, sexism, heterosexism, cissexism, ableism, and other issues of privilege and oppression.

From The Daily Beast