attention deficit disorder

noun

Definition of attention deficit disorder

: a developmental disorder that is marked especially by persistent symptoms of inattention (such as distractibility, forgetfulness, or disorganization) or by symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity (such as fidgeting, speaking out of turn, or restlessness) or by symptoms of all three and that is not caused by any serious underlying physical or mental disorder

Note: Symptoms of attention deficit disorder range from mild to severe and always interfere with normal development and daily functioning. A diagnosis of attention deficit disorder typically requires that symptoms be present by the age of 12 and in more than one setting (such as both home and school). Attention deficit disorder may persist into adulthood, creating difficulties in one's occupation or social relationships. While hyperactivity and impulsivity are not always present as symptoms, attention deficit disorder is commonly referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

—abbreviation ADD

Examples of attention deficit disorder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Zach struggles with attention deficit disorder and needs to learn in person to avoid distractions that otherwise derail his studies. — Emily Donaldson, Dallas News, "14 Dallas County campuses temporarily halted in-person learning this school year due to COVID-19," 8 Mar. 2021 These lead levels are about one-tenth of the dose needed to achieve a blood lead concentration associated with major neurological problems, including the development of behavioral issues like aggression and attention deficit disorder. — C. Michael White, The Conversation, "How safe is your baby food? Company reports show arsenic, lead and other heavy metals – here’s what you need to know," 22 Feb. 2021 One of the Ryan girls has autism, and a son has attention deficit disorder. — Krista Torralva, ExpressNews.com, "Online schooling has hammered student performance. Educators call it the ‘COVID slide,’ and San Antonio schools are testing kids to assess the damage," 25 Jan. 2021 Issac didn’t see a therapist until about six months later, and that was to deal with attention deficit disorder. — Larissa Macfarquhar, The New Yorker, "When One Parent Leaves a Hasidic Community, What Happens to the Kids?," 30 Nov. 2020 Research shows that spending time in nature builds resilience and self-confidence in kids; reduces obesity and attention deficit disorder symptoms; and improves focus, behavior and learning. — Anna Nordberg, SFChronicle.com, "Could the coronavirus pandemic change education for the better?," 30 Aug. 2020 One has attention deficit disorder and the other has autism, and both rely heavily on social and emotional supports at school. — Erin Richards, USA TODAY, "Kids' mental health can struggle during online school. Here's how teachers are planning ahead.," 9 Apr. 2020 The Google Music shutdown is purely Google's attention deficit disorder in action. — Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, "With YouTube Music, Google is holding my speakers for ransom," 24 June 2020 Reid, who has dyslexia and attention deficit disorder, is considering vocational schools to become a plumber or engineer. — USA Today, "These Black teens are turning 18 in Tamir Rice’s America," 22 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'attention deficit disorder.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

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attention-grabbing

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Last Updated

23 Mar 2021

Cite this Entry

“Attention deficit disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attention%20deficit%20disorder. Accessed 14 May. 2021.

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More Definitions for attention deficit disorder

attention deficit disorder

noun

Medical Definition of attention deficit disorder

Three percent to 10 percent of children are estimated to have attention deficit disorder, and the problem is more common in boys than in girls. — The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News, 8 Apr. 1993 —abbreviation ADD

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