intellectual disability

noun

: mild to severe impairment in intellectual ability equivalent to an IQ of 70 to 75 or below that is accompanied by significant limitations in social, practical, and conceptual skills (as in interpersonal communication, reasoning, or self-care) necessary for independent daily functioning and that has an onset before age 18

Note: The term intellectual disability is now preferred over mental retardation in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts, as well as in general use. The term mental retardation is increasingly considered offensive, though it was the dominant term into the second decade of the current century.

Examples of intellectual disability in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web While most of the competitors in the Special Olympic/Paralympic events embedded within the CHSAA state track program are students with intellectual disabilities, there is also a handful of Paralympic athletes. Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 16 May 2024 Special Olympics Arizona For almost five decades, Special Olympics Arizona has provided year-round sports training and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Alexis Waiss, The Arizona Republic, 13 Mar. 2024 These agencies treat clients with intellectual disabilities and people struggling with mental health and addiction issues and assist incarcerated individuals preparing to re-enter society. Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 6 Mar. 2024 Create a Kentucky Lifeline for Moms so that healthcare providers can find services for mothers with mental illness and intellectual disability. Rebecca Grapevine, The Courier-Journal, 17 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intellectual disability 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intellectual disability.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intellectual disability was in 1809

Dictionary Entries Near intellectual disability

Cite this Entry

“Intellectual disability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intellectual%20disability. Accessed 27 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

intellectual disability

noun
: mild to severe impairment in intellectual ability accompanied by significant limitations in skills (as in communication, reasoning, or self-care) necessary for independent daily functioning

Medical Definition

intellectual disability

noun
: mild to severe impairment in intellectual ability equivalent to an IQ of 70 to 75 or below that is accompanied by significant limitations in social, practical, and conceptual skills (as in interpersonal communication, reasoning, or self-care) necessary for independent daily functioning and that has an onset before age 18

Note: The term intellectual disability is now preferred over mental retardation in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts, as well as in general use. The term mental retardation is increasingly considered offensive, though it was the dominant term into the second decade of the current century.

… Rosa's Law, which changed references in federal law from "mental retardation" to "intellectual disability" and references to a mentally retarded individual to an individual with an intellectual disability.Victor R. Martinez
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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