learning disability

noun

: any of various conditions (such as dyslexia or dysgraphia) that interfere with an individual's ability to learn and so result in impaired functioning in language, reasoning, or academic skills (such as reading, writing, and mathematics) and that are thought to be caused by difficulties in processing and integrating information

called also learning difference

learning disabled adjective

Examples of learning disability in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In addition to Brian’s story, Michael Peña’s Detective Alcaras is working to place his son, who has severe learning disabilities, into a specialized school. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 8 Nov. 2025 High levels of exposure to lead in early childhood can lead to neurological effects such as learning disabilities, behavior difficulties and lowered IQ. Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025 Lead exposure has been linked to a variety of significant health issues in humans, including cardiovascular disease, learning disabilities, and even criminal behavior. Mason Leath, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2025 High levels of exposure to lead in utero, infancy, and early childhood can lead to neurological effects such as learning disabilities, behavior difficulties, and lowered IQ. Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for learning disability

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of learning disability was in 1920

Cite this Entry

“Learning disability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/learning%20disability. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

learning disability

noun
: any of various conditions (as attention deficit disorder and dyslexia) that interfere with a person's ability to learn basic academic skills

called also learning difference

learning disabled adjective

Medical Definition

learning disability

noun
: any of various disorders (as dyslexia or dysgraphia) that interfere with an individual's ability to learn resulting in impaired functioning in verbal language, reasoning, or academic skills (as reading, writing, and mathematics) and are thought to be caused by difficulties in processing and integrating information
abbreviation LD
learning disabled adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on learning disability

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