Difference Wiki

Enabled vs. Disabled: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 3, 2023
"Enabled" means to make possible or functional, while "disabled" denotes a lack or denial of ability, functionality, or active status.

Key Differences

"Enabled" and "disabled" are two antonyms that describe opposite conditions or states. When something or someone is enabled, it means that they are given the ability, means, or permission to do something. On the contrary, when they are disabled, they are deprived of those abilities or functions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
In the realm of technology, when a feature or function is enabled, it's active and operational. For instance, a user might have an option enabled in a software application, allowing them to access specific functionalities. Conversely, if a feature is disabled, it's turned off and isn't in operation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Both "enabled" and "disabled" can also describe societal conditions or personal states. An individual can be empowered and enabled to achieve something through resources, training, or opportunities. Conversely, certain societal barriers might leave individuals disabled or disadvantaged, preventing them from accessing the same opportunities.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
"Enabled" often carries a positive connotation, suggesting empowerment, facilitation, or activation. "Disabled," on the other hand, can either refer to the lack of certain physical or mental abilities or simply indicate that something is not active or operational.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Both words have nuances based on context. In the context of human rights and society, it's essential to understand and use "disabled" respectfully, referring to conditions without casting negative aspersions or connotations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Meaning

Given the ability or permission
Deprived of ability or function
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Usage

Often positive
Can be neutral or negative
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Contexts

Technology, empowerment
Technology, physical/mental conditions
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Connotation

Activation, functionality
Deactivation, non-operational
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Antonym

Disabled
Enabled
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Enabled and Disabled Definitions

Enabled

Given the ability or means
The scholarship enabled him to attend college.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023

Disabled

Deprived of certain abilities
He was disabled in the accident.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Enabled

Empowered or given authority
The badge enabled her access to the building.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023

Disabled

Turned off or made non-functional
The option was disabled in the settings.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023

Enabled

Made functional or operational
The update enabled new features in the software.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Disabled

Hindered or impeded
Lack of funds disabled the project's progress.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023

Enabled

Allowed or permitted
Her support enabled him to pursue his dreams.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023

Disabled

Not permitted or allowed
The firewall disabled the download.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Enabled

Facilitated or made possible
Online platforms have enabled global communication.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023

Disabled

Physically or mentally impaired
There are many facilities for disabled individuals in the city.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023

Enabled

To supply with the means, knowledge, or opportunity (to do something); make able
A hole in the fence that enabled us to watch.
Techniques that enable surgeons to repair the heart.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

Disabled

Having become or having been rendered inoperative
A disabled vehicle.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

Enabled

To make feasible or possible
Funds that will enable construction of new schools.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

Disabled

Having a disability
A disabled veteran.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

Enabled

To give legal power, capacity, or sanction to
A law enabling a new federal agency.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

Disabled

(used with a pl. verb) People with physical or mental impairments, considered as a group. rights of the disabled.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

Enabled

To make operational; activate
Enabled the computer's modem.
Enable a nuclear warhead.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

Disabled

Made incapable of use or action.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

Enabled

To behave in a manner that facilitates or supports (another's abusive, addictive, or self-destructive behavior).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

Disabled

Having a disability.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

Enabled

Being capable for use or action; not disabled
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

Disabled

(legal) Legally disqualified.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

Enabled

(computing) Adapted for use with the specified mechanism or system.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

Disabled

(nonstandard) One who is disabled. often used collectively as the disabled, but sometimes also singular
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

Enabled

Simple past tense and past participle of enable
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

Disabled

Simple past tense and past participle of disable
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

Disabled

Injured so as to be unable to function; as, disabled veterans.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

Disabled

Unable to function at normal capacity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

Disabled

People who are crippled or otherwise physically handicapped;
Technology to help the elderly and the disabled
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

Disabled

Incapacitated by injury or illness
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

Disabled

So badly injured as to be unable to continue;
Disabled veterans
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022

FAQs

Can "enabled" refer to giving permission?

Yes, for example, enabling someone to access data.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Is "disabled" only used to describe people?

No, it can refer to functions, features, or anything made non-operational.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Are "enabled" and "disabled" always opposites?

Yes, in most contexts, they are antonyms.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Are there synonyms for "enabled"?

Yes, like "empowered" or "facilitated."
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023

Does "disabled" always indicate a permanent state?

No, it can be temporary, like disabling an account.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023

How should one use "disabled" respectfully?

Always focus on the person first, not the condition, e.g., "person with a disability."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023

Can "disabled" refer to technology?

Yes, like when a feature is turned off.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

What's the opposite of a disabled feature?

An enabled feature.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023

Can a device be disabled?

Yes, it can be turned off or made non-functional.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Can software features be enabled?

Yes, enabling a feature makes it active or functional.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023

Is enabling always a positive action?

Mostly, but it depends on context. One can enable bad behavior.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Is "enabled" often used in tech contexts?

Yes, especially regarding features or functionalities.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Can an individual be both enabled and disabled in different contexts?

Absolutely. They might be enabled in terms of resources but face certain disabilities.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023

How can organizations support disabled individuals?

By providing accessible facilities and equal opportunities.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023

Can "enable" be used in the context of behavior?

Yes, one can enable another's behavior, good or bad.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023

Can societal barriers disable individuals?

Yes, lack of opportunities can disable progress or achievements.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Does enabling always require an external force?

Often, but self-driven factors can also enable individuals.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma Saeed
Huma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.

Trending Comparisons

Popular Comparisons

New Comparisons