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

Biohaven’s troriluzole for spinocerebellar ataxia stands out as one example. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 14 July 2026

The Wisconsin Republican is requesting denial letters, called complete response letters, that the FDA sent to makers of rare disease treatments for conditions including ataxia and Sanfilippo syndrome. — John Wilkerson, STAT, 10 Mar. 2026

Friedreich’s ataxia currently has no cure, and available treatments have not been able to ward off long-term decline. — Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Jan. 2026

Ataxia In severe cases, vitamin B6 deficiency can cause ataxia, which is a loss of muscle control. — Laura Dorwart, Health, 22 Dec. 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