ataxia

noun

atax·​ia ə-ˈtak-sē-ə 

(ˌ)ā-

: an inability to coordinate voluntary muscular movements that is symptomatic of some central nervous system disorders and injuries and not due to muscle weakness

called also incoordination

ataxic

ə-ˈtak-sik 

(ˌ)ā-

adjective

Examples of ataxia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Australian model previously announced she had been diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia. —Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025

This may well lead to an improvement of the clinical ataxia. —Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 20 Apr. 2025

One of the clinical signs associated with diabetes in cats is ataxia caused by diabetic neuropathy. —Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 20 Apr. 2025

Rolo was eventually hospitalized at an emergency clinic and diagnosed with emaciation, anemia, scrotal dermatitis, a heart murmur, hookworm and ataxia, which prompted him to get a blood transfusion, the release said. —Nicholas Rice, People.com, 15 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek ataxía "lack of discipline, disorder, confusion," from a- a- entry 2 + -taxia, from táxis "drawing up in rank and file, order of battle, order, arrangement" + -ia -ia entry 1 — more at taxis

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ataxia

• ataxia-telangiectasia
• locomotor ataxia

Rhymes for ataxia

• apraxia

Kids Definition

ataxia

noun

atax·​ia ə-ˈtak-sē-ə 

(ˈ)ā-

: inability to coordinate voluntary muscular movements

ataxic

-sik 

adjective

Medical Definition

ataxia

noun

atax·​ia ə-ˈtak-sē-ə, (ˈ)ā- 

: an inability to coordinate voluntary muscular movements that is symptomatic of some disorders of the central nervous system

ataxic

-sik 

adjective