crippled

[krip-uhld]

adjective

1. Offensive.

   1. relating to a person who is partially or totally unable to use one or more limbs.

   2. relating to a person who is disabled or impaired in any way.

2. not operating or performing at the customary level; impaired; weakened.

   Significant progress has been made in repairing the crippled power plant.

   A telecommunications firm has signed a deal to get their crippled company back in business.

Sensitive Note

Why is crippled offensive? See cripple ( def. ).

Other Word Forms

• uncrippled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of crippled¹

First recorded in 1300–50; cripple ( def. ) (verb) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Massive staffing reductions have crippled the agency’s ability to serve beneficiaries effectively, with regional office staff mostly eliminated, headquarters staffing cut by nearly half, and field office workers reassigned from face-to-face service to phone duties.

From Los Angeles Times

The southern African country has also been crippled by nationwide power outages and fuel shortages.

From BBC

In addition, Malawi has been forced to devalue its currency and was recently crippled by fuel shortages and nationwide power outages.

From BBC

The early pandemic era crippled businesses, forcing several theater chains, such as Alamo Drafthouse and Regal Cinemas, to file for bankruptcy.

From Salon

But many in the industry have called the ban a knee-jerk move, which they say has crippled a thriving sector and would hurt those it is trying to protect.

From BBC

Related Words

• debilitated www.thesaurus.com
• disabled 
• impaired 
• incapacitated 
• limited 
• maimed 
• paralytic 
• paralyzed www.thesaurus.com
• restricted