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

Between 15-22% of the US population is neurodiverse, with around 10% diagnosed with dyslexia, 5% with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and 1-2% with autism. —New Atlas, 6 Dec. 2024

Longtime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres announced last week that she has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, as well as OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) and ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). —Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 1 Oct. 2024

As a teenager, he was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, severe depression and bipolar disorder. —Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 14 Nov. 2024

Kids who deal with symptoms of anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and other conditions may present with a tendency to talk more. —Emily Edlynn, Parents, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hyperactivity

• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

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