assistive

adjective

as·​sis·​tive ə-ˈsi-stiv How to pronounce assistive (audio)
: providing aid or assistance
specifically : designed or intended to assist disabled persons
assistive technology

Examples of assistive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other available devices include assistive listening devices and hearing loops, which are available in the IMAX and Universe Theater, as well as at some ticket windows. Mariette Williams, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025 Deafblind youths need specific skills early in life — learning how to use American Sign Language and assistive technology, for example — to prevent language deprivation. Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 8 Oct. 2025 The big knock on performance-assistive tech like electric bikes is the idea that users are taking the easy, lazy way out, a shortcut to avoid the unforgiving gauntlet of hard physical work. New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2025 Physical assistive devices, on the other hand, are harder to detect. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assistive

Word History

Etymology

assist entry 1 + -ive

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of assistive was in 1771

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Cite this Entry

“Assistive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assistive. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

assistive

adjective
as·​sist·​ive ə-ˈsis-tiv How to pronounce assistive (audio)
: providing aid or assistance
specifically : designed or intended to assist a disabled person in performing an activity, task, or function especially in an independent manner
assistive technology
Assistive devices help with the performance of daily activities. Most familiar are canes, crutches, and walkers. Other examples of simple assistive devices are raised toilet seats and firm pillows placed under the seats of chairs to help people with hip or knee arthritis to rise from a sitting position. Simeon Margolis, The Johns Hopkins White Pages
With some assistive devices, the visually impaired can do a variety of office jobs, using computers and telephones. Eric Aasen, The Dallas Morning News
Assistive technology (AT) by its very nature consists of a variety of personal and customized tools for multiple learning styles and physical challenges. Kelly Ahrens, Learning & Leading with Technology
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