|dis sometimes -iz+ noun
Etymology: dis- (I) + ability
1.
a. archaic : inability to do something
b.
(1) : the condition of being disabled : deprivation or lack especially of physical, intellectual, or emotional capacity or fitness ; also : an instance of such a condition : a particular weakness or inadequacy
he appeared sullen, melancholy, tongue-tied — a disability stemming in part from a speech defect — H.M.Ledig-Rowohlt
concluded that his disabilities were his best defense — M.W.Straight
(2) : the inability to pursue an occupation or perform services for wages because of physical or mental impairment
suffering from total disability
receives a disability pension
(3) : the period of duration of such a condition
receives monthly payments during his disability
(4) : a physical or mental illness, injury, or condition that incapacitiates in any way
as a result of a personal accident … he lost his right arm, but he overcame this disability — O.S.Nock
(5) : a material object or condition that hinders, impedes, or incapacitates : handicap
the placement of the elevators is not so serious a disability on the upper floors — Lewis Mumford
2.
a. : lack of legal qualification to do a thing : legal incapacity, incompetence, or disqualification
disability of infancy
a law placing severe disabilities upon Catholics and Jews
also : an instance or cause of such incapacity
b.
(1) : a nonlegal disqualification, restriction, or discrimination
nominally free, but actually subject to numerous social and economic disabilities
a person with even the most tenuous Communist affiliation from years ago may suffer disabilities that could ruin his entire future career — A.H.Sulzberger
(2) : disadvantage
discussed the benefits and disabilities of price controls
the special disabilities under which the industry operates