also: ハンデキャップ · ハンディーキャップ
A loanword from English, used in contexts such as sports (golf), games, or figuratively for a disadvantage. The meaning is essentially the same as the English word.
ゴルフでは、ハンディキャップが実力を示す。
In golf, a handicap indicates one's ability.
Lack of experience became a big handicap for him.
Stronger players are given a bigger handicap.
He has a handicap from an illness he had as a child.
She overcame her physical handicap and competed in the Olympics.