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# HTML <option> disabled Attribute The `disabled` attribute of the `` tag is a boolean attribute used to deactivate specific options within a drop-down list (``). --- ## Definition and Usage When the `disabled` attribute is present, the corresponding option is rendered in a grayed-out state. The user cannot select, click, or interact with this option. This attribute is highly useful in dynamic web forms. For example, you can disable certain options by default and use JavaScript to enable them only after the user meets specific criteria (such as checking a checkbox or selecting a particular category in another dropdown). --- ## Syntax In standard HTML, you can write the `disabled` attribute as a standalone boolean attribute: ```html Option Text ``` ### XHTML Compatibility In XHTML, attribute minimization is forbidden. If you are writing XHTML-compliant code, you must define the attribute with its full value: ```html Option Text ``` --- ## Code Examples ### Basic Example The following example demonstrates a drop-down list with four options, where the first option ("Volvo") is disabled and cannot be selected: ```html Volvo Saab VW Audi ``` ### Dynamic Control with JavaScript You can dynamically enable or disable options based on user interaction. The example below shows how to toggle the `disabled` state of an option using JavaScript: ```html Apple Banana (Can be disabled) Orange Toggle Banana Option ``` --- ## Browser Support The `disabled` attribute is fully supported by all modern web browsers: * Google Chrome * Mozilla Firefox * Apple Safari * Opera * Microsoft Edge > **Note:** Legacy browsers like Internet Explorer 7 and earlier versions do not support the `disabled` attribute on the `` tag. --- ## Specifications and Differences * **HTML 4.01 vs. HTML5:** There are no differences in how this attribute functions between HTML 4.01 and HTML5. * **HTML vs. XHTML:** In HTML, you can simply write `disabled`. In XHTML, you must write `disabled="disabled"`.