learning disability

noun

: any of various conditions (such as dyslexia or dysgraphia) that interfere with an individual's ability to learn and so result in impaired functioning in language, reasoning, or academic skills (such as reading, writing, and mathematics) and that are thought to be caused by difficulties in processing and integrating information

called also learning difference

learning disabled adjective

Examples of learning disability in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Outside of free testing for learning disabilities, the second option is to hire a private evaluator for a formal diagnosis. Suzie Glassman, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024 These include learning disabilities, behavior difficulties, and lowered IQ. Korin Miller, Health, 8 Mar. 2024 The condition occurs in approximately 1 in every 700 babies and can cause mental and physical challenges such as learning disabilities and heart disorders. Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2024 Ruth Gottesman has been involved with the school for more than 55 years, first as a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of learning disabilities and then as a trustee. Ginia Bellafante, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024 The term often refers to people with autism spectrum disorder or other neurological or developmental conditions, like ADHD or learning disabilities. Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2024 Gottesman, 93, is a former professor at the school who studied learning disabilities and created an adult literacy program. James Powel, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2024 As of this year, partly in response to parental concerns, Vermont is no longer using the discrepancy model to diagnose learning disabilities. Sarah Carr, Scientific American, 16 Nov. 2023 Some have tumors that have caused blindness, deafness, bone abnormalities, disfigurement, learning disabilities, disabling pain and even cancer. Eileen Finan, Peoplemag, 4 Feb. 2024

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

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of learning disability was in 1936

Dictionary Entries Near learning disability

Cite this Entry

“Learning disability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/learning%20disability. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

learning disability

noun
: any of various conditions (as attention deficit disorder and dyslexia) that interfere with a person's ability to learn basic academic skills

called also learning difference

learning disabled adjective

Medical Definition

learning disability

noun
: any of various disorders (as dyslexia or dysgraphia) that interfere with an individual's ability to learn resulting in impaired functioning in verbal language, reasoning, or academic skills (as reading, writing, and mathematics) and are thought to be caused by difficulties in processing and integrating information
abbreviation LD
learning disabled adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on learning disability

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!