a permanent physical or mental condition that makes it difficult to do some things that most other people can do

something that makes it difficult for somebody to do something

Not speaking the language proved to be a bigger handicap than I'd imagined.

In a job like this, lack of experience is no real handicap.

a race or competition in which those who have most skill must run further, carry extra weight, etc. in order to give all those taking part an equal chance of winning; the disadvantage that is given to somebody you are competing against in such a race or competition

the number of strokes(= hits) over par(= the expected number of strokes for a good player) that a player usually needs to complete a course. Handicaps are used to give an advantage to weaker players so that competition is more equal when they play against stronger players.

to make something more difficult for somebody to do

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