DECA Human Resources Management Complete Practice Test 2026

The term that describes the inability to perform job duties due to an accident or illness is disability. This definition emphasizes a condition that restricts a person’s ability to engage in activities, including work, which may arise from various physical or mental conditions.

Disability often refers to a legal and medical perspective, considering how such conditions impact a person's daily functioning. Recognizing disability is essential in many employment practices, as it triggers considerations for accommodations under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

In contrast, incapacity generally refers to a broader state of being unable to engage in any activity, which may not be limited to work. Impairment, on the other hand, refers to the loss of normal function or ability of a body part or system but does not necessarily account for the impact on job performance specifically. Incompetence implies a lack of ability or qualification to perform job duties, which is more about skills and competencies than arising from an accident or illness.