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

Jake and Claire Juip − who use motorized wheelchairs − have a rare neurodegenerative disorder called Friedreich's ataxia. —Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 18 Oct. 2025

Signs may include neuropathy, retinopathy, ataxia, or impaired immune response. —Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 6 Oct. 2025

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

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