able-bodied persons

[ˈeɪbəl ˈbɑːdid ˈpɜːrsənz]
nounpl: able-bodied persons
pessoas válidas / pessoas fisicamente capacitadas / pessoas sem deficiência
1. Individuals who are physically fit and capable of performing work or physical tasks without significant limitation or disability
The construction company preferred to hire able-bodied persons for the heavy labor positions.
A empresa de construção preferiu contratar pessoas fisicamente capacitadas para as posições de trabalho pesado.
2. People without physical or mental impairments that would prevent them from performing ordinary duties
During the emergency, able-bodied persons were asked to volunteer for rescue efforts.
Durante a emergência, pessoas válidas foram solicitadas a se voluntariar para os esforços de resgate.
The term 'able-bodied persons' is considered somewhat dated and potentially offensive in modern usage. Contemporary Brazilian and international practice favor 'pessoas sem deficiência' (persons without disabilities) or more inclusive terminology that avoids hierarchical distinctions between people. In legal and employment contexts in Brazil, this distinction remains important for accessibility accommodations and equal opportunity policies regulated by Lei Brasileira de Inclusão (LBI).
Synonyms / Sinônimos
fit personsphysically capable individualshealthy personsnon-disabled persons
Antonyms / Antônimos
disabled personspersons with disabilitiesimpaired individualsinfirm persons

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
pessoas válidas / pessoas fisicamente capacitadas
Most common usage in formal and official contexts
São Paulo
pessoas sem deficiência
Modern, inclusive terminology preferred in contemporary usage
Rio de Janeiro
pessoas hígidas
More technical/medical term occasionally used
Portugal
pessoas aptas / pessoas sem deficiência
Similar usage to Brazilian Portuguese with slight variations in formality

Related Words

disabilityphysical fitnesshealth statuswork capacityaccessibilityaccommodation

Related Idioms & Phrases

in sound health
fit as a fiddle
healthy as a horse
up to the task
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