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 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

Wade was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia in 2020, after years of grappling with the symptoms of those conditions. —Claire Sibonney, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2023

Adderall is a prescription drug that helps people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder feel more calm and focused. —Barnini Chakraborty, Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2023

Well Oil Calming Supplement for Dogs Dogs who exhibit signs of anxiety, hyperactivity, or tension due to their environment might consider using hemp well oil calming supplement. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 25 June 2023

Experts doubt the supply of the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder medication Adderall or other ADHD drugs will increase any time soon, with shortages potentially lasting through the end of the year. —Caroline Hopkins, NBC News, 9 Sep. 2023

And it’s known that small dogs, when compared with large dogs, tend to have more issues with separation anxiety and excitability and hyperactivity upon their owner’s return. —Marisa Sloan, Discover Magazine, 23 June 2023

Margaret Sibley, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine, specializes in working with adolescents and adults who have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). —Jamie Ducharme, Time, 10 Aug. 2023

The school board has pushed back, arguing in court documents that the boy was being evaluated and treated for possible ADHD — which causes inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, while state and federal laws call for keeping such children in the classroom when possible. —Ben Finley, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Aug. 2023

Research shows that melatonin supplements can help autistic children, children who have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and kids with other neurodevelopmental disorders fall asleep faster—and a few studies have shown similar effects in neurotypical kids5. —Emily Elveru, Parents, 3 Aug. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hyperactivity

• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

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 disorder