retardation

noun

re·​tar·​da·​tion ˌrē-ˌtär-ˈdā-shən 

ri-

1

: an act or instance of retarding

2

: the extent to which something is retarded

3

: a musical suspension

specifically : one that resolves upward

4

a(1)

: an abnormal slowness of thought or action

psychomotor retardation

(2)

now usually offensive : intellectual disability

b

: slowness in development or progress

fetal growth retardation

Synonyms

• braking
• deceleration
• downshift
• letup
• slowdown

Examples of retardation in a Sentence

The child suffered severe mental retardation.

The chemical induced a retardation of cell growth.

Recent Examples on the Web

The degree of retardation is usually mild, but can be moderate to severe. —Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2012

The criteria were: episodes that last no longer than 2 months, and that do not include suicidal feelings, psychotic symptoms, psychomotor retardation, or feelings of worthlessness. —Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2013

The Everrati's left pedal operates pads on discs in the normal fashion, but the motors also give powerful regenerative retardation when the accelerator is lifted. —Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 June 2021

The Vantage’s brake pedal has a nice firm weight but little travel, retardation being down to pressure rather than movement. —Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 28 Feb. 2018

The policy of retardation of submarine technology ended right after the beginning of the Anglo-German naval race (marked by the German Naval Laws of 1898 and 1900). —chicagotribune.com, 28 July 2017

At the end Austen had psychomotor retardation and could barely move. —Rene Chun, Los Angeles Magazine, 19 June 2017

The front wheels threaten to lock up under what feels like normal levels of retardation at low speeds. —Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 30 June 2017

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

retardation

noun

re·​tar·​da·​tion ˌrē-ˌtär-ˈdā-shən 

1

: an act or instance of retarding

2

: the extent to which something is retarded

3

usually offensive : intellectual disability

Medical Definition

retardation

noun

re·​tar·​da·​tion ˌrē-ˌtär-ˈdā-shən, ri- 

1

a

: an abnormal slowness of thought or action

psychomotor retardation

b

now usually offensive : intellectual disability

2

: slowness in development or progress

fetal growth retardation