retarded

adjective

re·​tard·​ed ri-ˈtär-dəd 

1

dated, now offensive : affected by intellectual disability : intellectually disabled

Note: The term retarded is increasingly considered offensive. The use of intellectually disabled is now preferred over retarded in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts, as well as in general use.

2

informal + offensive : very stupid or foolish

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

retarded

adjective

re·​tard·​ed ri-ˈtärd-əd 

offensive

: affected by intellectual disability

—used chiefly in the past

Medical Definition

retarded

adjective

re·​tard·​ed ri-ˈtärd-əd 

dated, now offensive

: affected by intellectual disability : intellectually disabled

Note: The term retarded is increasingly considered offensive. The use of intellectually disabled is now preferred over retarded in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts, as well as in general use.