as in deceleration
a usually gradual decrease in the pace or level of activity of something
scientists discovered that they could achieve the retardation of light if they shined it through a variety of substances
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Recent Examples of retardation
The degree of retardation is usually mild, but can be moderate to severe.
—
Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2012
The criteria were: episodes that last no longer than 2 months, and that do not include suicidal feelings, psychotic symptoms, psychomotor retardation, or feelings of worthlessness.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2013
The Everrati's left pedal operates pads on discs in the normal fashion, but the motors also give powerful regenerative retardation when the accelerator is lifted.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 June 2021
The Vantage’s brake pedal has a nice firm weight but little travel, retardation being down to pressure rather than movement.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 28 Feb. 2018
The policy of retardation of submarine technology ended right after the beginning of the Anglo-German naval race (marked by the German Naval Laws of 1898 and 1900).
—chicagotribune.com, 28 July 2017
At the end Austen had psychomotor retardation and could barely move.
—Rene Chun, Los Angeles Magazine, 19 June 2017
The front wheels threaten to lock up under what feels like normal levels of retardation at low speeds.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 30 June 2017
Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2012
The criteria were: episodes that last no longer than 2 months, and that do not include suicidal feelings, psychotic symptoms, psychomotor retardation, or feelings of worthlessness.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2013
The Everrati's left pedal operates pads on discs in the normal fashion, but the motors also give powerful regenerative retardation when the accelerator is lifted.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 June 2021
The Vantage’s brake pedal has a nice firm weight but little travel, retardation being down to pressure rather than movement.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 28 Feb. 2018
The policy of retardation of submarine technology ended right after the beginning of the Anglo-German naval race (marked by the German Naval Laws of 1898 and 1900).
—chicagotribune.com, 28 July 2017
At the end Austen had psychomotor retardation and could barely move.
—Rene Chun, Los Angeles Magazine, 19 June 2017
The front wheels threaten to lock up under what feels like normal levels of retardation at low speeds.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 30 June 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retardation
Noun
-
In both Central American nations, remittance income accounts for 30% of private consumption and any decline will have a direct effect on gross domestic product, GDP, Orozco said.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
19 June 2025
-
Continued decline in five-on-five production (which coincided with Patrice Bergeron’s retirement).—
Jonas Siegel,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
Noun
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The report pointed to a spike in immigration and retirements, coupled with a slowdown in U.S.-born working-age population growth.—
Bailey Schulz,
USA Today,
14 June 2025
-
Nearly 26 percent of the population worries that Wall Street might hit rock bottom, says Resonate, and concerns of a broader economic slowdown have increased by 17.5 percent to 46 percent.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 June 2025
Noun
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The drop will go live Tuesday (June 17) at liquiddeath.com/ozzy, with each DNA can priced at $450.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
18 June 2025
-
One investor alleges Coinbase delayed the breach disclosure to avoid a stock drop.—
Jennifer Jolly,
USA Today,
18 June 2025
Noun
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That slump has intensified competition among producers, posing a challenge for the industry, as well as for local governments, which have promoting mineral development as a way of boosting the Southeast Asia’s largest economy.—
Alfred Cang,
Fortune,
19 June 2025
-
Baseballs’ best hitter is now in a 2-for-20, 13-strikeout slump.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retardation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retardation. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.
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