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

Drivers are given a blue envelope to put their insurance and vehicle registration in to alert officers that the driver has special needs, and a bumper sticker that police can spot on the road. — Julia Avant, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

Its Advance Warning System also reaches organizations serving people with disabilities and other special needs. — Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026

These funds will flow directly to Poway and San Diego County, strengthening the local economy by supporting public schools, emergency services, municipal road improvements, and essential community programs for youth and special needs. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Aug. 2026

The initiative also aims to counter the perception that the facility is merely a gym and reestablish it as a community anchor for families, seniors, single parents and children with special needs. — Chase Jordan august 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 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