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

The research also indicates that late walking may be genetically linked to a decreased chance of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). —Kris Ann Valdez, Parents, 21 May 2025

After several months, during a period of solar hyperactivity, Knutsen’s team found exactly the right moment. —Lillian Ali, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2025

Mixed studies indicate the synthetic dyes can cause neurobehavioral problems, including hyperactivity and attention issues, in some children. —Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025

Girls with the neurodevelopmental disorder may not be diagnosed because their symptoms are often more subtle than those exhibited by boys, who are more likely to show symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsiveness, research indicates. —Linda Carroll, NBC News, 19 Mar. 2025

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