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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Harvard Health defines neurodiversity as the diverse ways people experience the world, often in the context of conditions like autism (ASD), ADHD, or learning disabilities. Priya Oberoi, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024 This is true for all students: EL students, typical students and students with learning disabilities. Madeleine Parrish, The Arizona Republic, 8 Oct. 2024 Binet School, a middle school located near the Bon Air neighborhood and Seneca High School, opened in 1961 as a private school for those with learning disabilities before becoming part of JCPS in 1974. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 7 Oct. 2024 For children, because their brains are still developing, arsenic exposure can be associated with learning disabilities, behavior issues, and a lower IQ. Sarah Scott, Parents, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for learning disability 

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of learning disability was in 1936

Dictionary Entries Near learning disability

Cite this Entry

“Learning disability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/learning%20disability. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on learning disability

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