retarded

1 of 2

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

retarded

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of retard entry 1

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for retarded

• bombarded
• discarded
• regarded
• safeguarded
• unguarded
• carded
• guarded
• disregarded
• unregarded

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.