HANDICAP meaning: 1. an illness, injury, or condition that makes it difficult for someone to do some things that…. Learn more. A mental or physical disadvantage, such as blindness or a missing leg, is a handicap: something that disables you in some way. Handicaps can also be imposed artificially to even out the odds in sporting events. The meaning of HANDICAPPED is having a physical or mental disability; also : of or reserved for disabled persons. How to use handicapped in a sentence. The meaning of HANDICAP is a race or contest in which an artificial advantage is given or disadvantage imposed on a contestant to equalize chances of winning. How to use handicap in a sentence. HANDICAP definition: 1. an illness, injury, or condition that makes it difficult for someone to do some things that…. Learn more. Define handicap. handicap synonyms, handicap pronunciation, handicap translation, English dictionary definition of handicap. hinder, impede, incapacitate; to place at a disadvantage: His handicap was being born into poverty. Not to be confused with: handicraft – a work that. 8 meanings: 1. something that hampers or hinders 2. a. a contest, esp a race, in which competitors are given advantages or. Click for more definitions.