dysgraphia

noun

dys·​graph·​ia (ˌ)dis-ˈgra-fē-ə 

: impairment of handwriting ability that is characterized chiefly by very poor or often illegible writing or writing that takes an unusually long time and great effort to complete

Note: When present in children, dysgraphia is classified as a learning disability. When it occurs as an acquired condition in adults, it is typically the result of damage to the brain (as from stroke or trauma).

Examples of dysgraphia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Most of them have special learning needs, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD, and weren’t thriving in a conventional classroom. —Kerry McDonald, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025

The settlement requires the TEA to allow testers with dyslexia or dysgraphia to use alternative exam arrangements, such as text-to-speech technology, when taking a reading certification exam. —Keri Heath, Austin American-Statesman, 18 Apr. 2024

There's no cure for dysgraphia, but there are ways your child can thrive in a school environment. —Suzie Glassman, Parents, 12 Nov. 2023

Pernsteiner, the lawsuit explains, had ADHD and severe dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, which affected her ability to read and write. —Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2023

Vutpakdi's son is part of a rare group known as twice exceptional, or 2e — children who have high IQs of over 130, but who also face challenges such as attention deficit disorder, autism, dyslexia or dysgraphia, the inability to write clearly. —Caitlin Yoshiko Kandil, latimes.com, 2 Mar. 2018

Word History

Etymology

dys- + Greek -graphia "writing" (from gráphein "to write" + -ia -ia entry 1), probably after French dysgraphie — more at carve

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

dysgraphia

noun

dys·​graph·​ia (ˈ)dis-ˈgraf-ē-ə 

: impairment of handwriting ability that is characterized chiefly by very poor or often illegible writing or writing that takes an unusually long time and great effort to complete

Note: When present in children, dysgraphia is classified as a learning disability. When it occurs as an acquired condition in adults, it is typically the result of damage to the brain (as from stroke or trauma).