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

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

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

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

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

From BBC