retardation

noun

re·​tar·​da·​tion ˌrē-ˌtär-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce retardation (audio)
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

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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retardation.' 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

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of retardation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near retardation

Cite this Entry

“Retardation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retardation. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

retardation

noun
re·​tar·​da·​tion ˌrē-ˌtär-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce retardation (audio)
1
: an act or instance of retarding
2
: the extent to which something is retarded
3
sometimes offensive : intellectual disability

Medical Definition

retardation

noun
re·​tar·​da·​tion ˌrē-ˌtär-ˈdā-shən, ri- How to pronounce retardation (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on retardation

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