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

Scientists examined samples of ice in Greenland, which give molecular clues of past environmental conditions, and found strong concentrations of the heavy metal, which is a neurotoxin associated with learning disabilities, reproductive problems and mental health issues, among other effects. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 7 Jan. 2025

Long-term exposure to lead in your diet can be especially risky for very young people, and can lead to neurological effects, such as learning disabilities, behavior difficulties and lowered IQ. —Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2024

The Ethiopian government is now exploring such an approach, which could avert 75% of deaths and stillbirths due to these defects, which generally occur in the first month of pregnancy and lead to nerve damage that contributes to learning disabilities, paralysis, and death. —Alice Park, TIME, 17 Sep. 2024

Some children also experience frequent seizures and learning disabilities that can affect cognitive function. —Heidi Cope, Health, 13 Sep. 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