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

Autism and learning disabilities training should be mandatory. —Michelle Raz, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024

For students with learning disabilities and other special educational needs, PVUSD maintains 11 specific programs to support students ages 3 through 22 to expand academic, cognitive, functional, and even independent living skills. —Madeleine Parrish, The Arizona Republic, 8 Oct. 2024

It is characterized by strong verbal communication skills, highly social personalities and a deep affinity for music, as well as the potential for cardiovascular disease, developmental delays and learning disabilities. —Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 3 July 2024

Scientists examined samples of ice in Greenland, which give molecular clues of past environmental conditions, and found strong concentrations of the heavy metal, which is a neurotoxin associated with learning disabilities, reproductive problems and mental health issues, among other effects. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

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