learning disability

noun

: any of various conditions (such as dyslexia or dysgraphia) that interfere with an individual's ability to learn and so result in impaired functioning in language, reasoning, or academic skills (such as reading, writing, and mathematics) and that are thought to be caused by difficulties in processing and integrating information

called also learning difference

learning disabled adjective

Examples of learning disability in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

My brother was home for summer break from boarding school for kids with learning disabilities. —Danielle Bacher, Peoplemag, 7 May 2024

There is no screening – some children entering Henderson are prodigies, most are average learners, and some have learning disabilities like dyslexia. —Terry Spencer, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 May 2024

Adapt Instruction for Spanish Speakers Teachers need to evaluate Latinx students and identify the difference between learning gaps, language comprehension, or learning disabilities. —Jorge Santos, Parents, 1 May 2024

Outside of free testing for learning disabilities, the second option is to hire a private evaluator for a formal diagnosis. —Suzie Glassman, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024

These include learning disabilities, behavior difficulties, and lowered IQ. —Korin Miller, Health, 8 Mar. 2024

The condition occurs in approximately 1 in every 700 babies and can cause mental and physical challenges such as learning disabilities and heart disorders. —Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2024

Ruth Gottesman has been involved with the school for more than 55 years, first as a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of learning disabilities and then as a trustee. —Ginia Bellafante, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024

The term often refers to people with autism spectrum disorder or other neurological or developmental conditions, like ADHD or learning disabilities. —Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

learning disability

noun

: any of various conditions (as attention deficit disorder and dyslexia) that interfere with a person's ability to learn basic academic skills

called also learning difference

learning disabled adjective

Medical Definition

learning disability

noun

: any of various disorders (as dyslexia or dysgraphia) that interfere with an individual's ability to learn resulting in impaired functioning in verbal language, reasoning, or academic skills (as reading, writing, and mathematics) and are thought to be caused by difficulties in processing and integrating information

—abbreviation LD

learning disabled adjective