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.
For highly complex disabilities or those willing to pay for deluxe, feature-rich standalone accessibility programs, there will always be a space in the market for dedicated third-party assistive technology providers. Gus Alexiou, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 The rise of highly capable assistive AI tools also risks disrupting traditional pathways for expertise development when it’s still clearly needed now, and will be in the foreseeable future. David Autor, The Atlantic, 24 Aug. 2025 Also, staffers with hearing impairments were factored into the equation, as the floor has an assistive listening system that connects to their cochlear implants. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2025 These services include the most basic activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, eating, and more, as well as the residential programs, employment supports, and assistive technologies that allow people with I/DD to live with dignity in their own homes and communities. Barbara Merrill, Time, 26 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Assistive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assistive. Accessed 9 Sep. 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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