special needs

plural noun

: any of various difficulties (such as a physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disability or impairment) that causes an individual to require additional or specialized services or accommodations (such as in education or recreation)
students with special needs
special-needs adjective
or special needs
special-needs children
a special needs teacher

Examples of special needs in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web While special needs students are more costly, their needs cannot be used to reduce the budget. Madeleine Parrish, The Arizona Republic, 2 Oct. 2024 Just as the dwarfs each have distinct traits and needs, dependent individuals—such as minors or those with special needs—have unique circumstances that must be thoughtfully addressed. Ashley Case, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 Inclusive initiatives include the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, which allows passengers to self-identify and receive assistance for special needs, and video relay interpretation for people who use American Sign Language. Torey Van Oot, Axios, 26 Sep. 2024 According to the foundation's website, fundraising dollars from last year's event (more than $7 million) were used toward camps, tutors, financial assistance for low income mothers, and aid for foster children and special needs children. Alex Perry, The Enquirer, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for special needs 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'special needs.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of special needs was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near special needs

Cite this Entry

“Special needs.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20needs. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

special needs

plural noun
: any of various difficulties (such as physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disability or impairment) that causes an individual to require additional or specialized services or accommodations (such as in education or recreation)
special–needs adjective

Medical Definition

special needs

noun plural
: the individual requirements (as for education) of a person with a disadvantaged background or a mental, emotional, or physical disability or a high risk of developing one
Some urban homeschooled kids, particularly those with special needs, were previously enrolled in school but not served well there.Linda Perlstein, Newsweek
special-needs adjective
special-needs students
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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