hyperactivity

noun

hy·​per·​ac·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌhī-pər-ˌak-ˈti-və-tē 

1

: the state or condition of being overly active

Canada geese are disarmingly expressive. … They disdain the frantic hyperactivity of smaller birds.

—Benjamin B. Bachman

2

: increased levels of function or activity especially when considered abnormally excessive

She had developed delusions of invincibility, along with bouts of hyperactivity and severe insomnia.

—Per Ola and Emily D'Aulaire

especially : higher than usual levels of movement and activity (such as excessive talking or fidgeting) typically associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

An estimated 1 in 50 school-age children in the United States, receive stimulant medication to help quell inattentiveness and hyperactivity.

—Christine Mlot

Examples of hyperactivity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And beyond financial, physical and geographic barriers, in-person talk therapy can be challenging for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – even though it has been shown to be hugely beneficial for both conditions. —New Atlas, 16 Mar. 2025

Thomas was receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy for sleep apnea and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, according to his family’s attorney, which are not among the conditions approved by the FDA for such treatment. —Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 16 Mar. 2025

One of the disabilities protected by Section 504 is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. —Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025

Harrington told the outlet that Thomas’s parents decided to take him to The Oxford Center to receive treatment in a hyperbaric chamber for sleep apnea and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. —Becca Longmire, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hyperactivity

• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Rhymes for hyperactivity

• bioactivity
• commutativity
• cooperativity
• generativity
• insensitivity
• interactivity
• overactivity
• performativity
• retroactivity
• absorptivity
• affectivity
• collectivity

Medical Definition

hyperactivity

noun

hy·​per·​ac·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌhī-pə-ˌrak-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

plural hyperactivities

: a state or condition of being excessively or pathologically active

especially : attention deficit hyperactivity disorder