How to Pronounce Disabled

To pronounce "disabled", say DIS-abl-ed — 3 syllables, IPA /[dɪsˈeɪbəɫd]/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

disabled

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/[dɪsˈeɪbəɫd]/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “disabled”

"disabled" has 3 syllables: dis-abl-ed. It rhymes with enabled and fabled, if that helps it stick.

What does disabled mean?

verb

To render unable; to take away an ability of, as by crippling.
(chiefly of a person) To impair the physical or mental abilities of; to cause a serious, permanent injury.
“Falling off the horse disabled him.”

noun

One who is disabled. (often used collectively as the disabled, but sometimes also singular)

adjective

Made incapable of use or action.
Having a disability.

Synonyms

deactivate non-standard unable incapacitated indisposed invalid

Antonyms

enable enabled

Hear “disabled” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with disabled

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

enabled fabled labeled mislabeled abled labelled gabled cabled stabled tabled unlabeled

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "disabled"?▾

"Disabled" has 3 syllables: dis · abl · ed.

What is the IPA transcription of "disabled"?▾

The IPA transcription of "disabled" is /[dɪsˈeɪbəɫd]/.

What does "disabled" mean?▾

Disabled: To render unable; to take away an ability of, as by crippling.

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