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

ˈspe-shəl-ˈnēdz 

adjective

or special needs

special-needs children

a special needs teacher

Examples of special needs in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fewer students means less money from the state, which awards funds to each school district— about $9,338 per student, and more if the child has special needs. — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026

Families that have an income under 300% of the federal poverty line, are unhoused, or have a child with special needs are prioritized, as mandated by the federal government. — Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 5 Oct. 2026

Another person who police spoke to during the investigation said the child has special needs. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026

Naredo, Thriving Mind’s CEO, said state and local health administrators have a responsibility to vet assisted living facilities that accept people with mental illness and special needs. — Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for special needs

• centipedes
• intercedes
• millipedes
• supersedes
• accedes
• concedes
• exceeds
• impedes
• misdeeds
• misleads
• oilseeds
• precedes

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