hyperactivity

noun

hy·​per·​ac·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌhī-pər-ˌak-ˈti-və-tē 

1

: the state or condition of being overly active

Canada geese are disarmingly expressive. … They disdain the frantic hyperactivity of smaller birds.

—Benjamin B. Bachman

2

: increased levels of function or activity especially when considered abnormally excessive

She had developed delusions of invincibility, along with bouts of hyperactivity and severe insomnia.

—Per Ola and Emily D'Aulaire

especially : higher than usual levels of movement and activity (such as excessive talking or fidgeting) typically associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

An estimated 1 in 50 school-age children in the United States, receive stimulant medication to help quell inattentiveness and hyperactivity.

—Christine Mlot

Examples of hyperactivity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Zermeño took Damian, who has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, and other health conditions, to his medical appointments. —Claudia Boyd-Barrett, CBS News, 18 June 2026

There are four basic types of the disorder, which are characterized by periods of elation and hyperactivity known as manic episodes, which are then followed by depressive stages where the patient experiences feelings of sadness and depression. —Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026

According to MedlinePlus, diphenhydramine use can cause a range of side effects including dry mouth, nose, and throat; drowsiness or dizziness; muscle weakness; and hyperactivity in children. —Byshafiq Najib, ABC News, 10 June 2026

Some avoid anxiety by ‘emotional distancing’ Stephanie Sarkis, a psychotherapist specializing in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and anxiety, says emotional desensitization can happen after prolonged exposure to stress. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 12 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hyperactivity

• attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Rhymes for hyperactivity

• bioactivity
• commutativity
• cooperativity
• generativity
• insensitivity
• interactivity
• overactivity
• performativity
• retroactivity
• absorptivity
• affectivity
• collectivity

Medical Definition

hyperactivity

noun

hy·​per·​ac·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌhī-pə-ˌrak-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

plural hyperactivities

: a state or condition of being excessively or pathologically active

especially : attention deficit hyperactivity disorder