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

More adults are being diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. —Mike Stobbe, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025

Researchers have suspected the galaxy's hyperactivity and complexity might be due to it tangling with another galaxy. —Space.com Staff, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025

Out of about 25 studies, more than half identified a positive association between artificial food coloring intake and behavioral outcomes such as inattention and hyperactivity. —Allison Aubrey, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that is typically diagnosed during childhood. —Rena Goldman, Health, 16 Jan. 2025

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