handicap

the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness

• “reading disability”
• “hearing impairment”

advantage given to a competitor to equalize chances of winning

something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress

injure permanently

• “He was disabled in a car accident”

attempt to forecast the winner (especially in a horse race) and assign odds for or against a contestant

put at a disadvantage

• “The brace I have to wear is hindering my movements”