apraxia

noun

aprax·​ia (ˌ)ā-ˈprak-sē-ə 

: loss or impairment of the ability to execute complex coordinated movements without muscular or sensory impairment

apractic

(ˌ)ā-ˈprak-tik 

adjective

or apraxic

(ˌ)ā-ˈprak-sik 

Examples of apraxia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Her 12-year-old son, Whitman, has autism and a neurological disorder called apraxia, in which the brain struggles to tell muscles how to move to form words or perform other motor skills. — Annie Ma, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Her 12-year-old son, Whitman, has autism and a neurological disorder called apraxia, in which the brain struggles to tell muscles how to move to form words or perform other motor skills. — ABC News, 1 July 2026

Heap’s daughter, 10, has apraxia of speech, a neurological speech disorder, and spent years attending speech therapy about three times a week. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026

The center plans to create a widespread resource platform that can help families across the country locate the nearest apraxia specialist. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 5 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek apraxía "lack of activity, inaction," from apraktós "idle, unsuccessful, ineffective" (from a- a- entry 2 + praktós, verbal adjective of prássein "to do") + -ia -ia entry 1 — more at practical entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1881, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for apraxia

• ataxia

Medical Definition

apraxia

noun

aprax·​ia (ˈ)ā-ˈprak-sē-ə 

: loss or impairment of the ability to execute complex coordinated movements without muscular or sensory impairment compare eupraxia

apractic

-ˈprak-tik 

adjective

or apraxic

-ˈprak-sik