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• attention deficit disorder
  attention deficit disorder

  noun

  ADD.
• Attention Deficit Disorder
  Attention Deficit Disorder

  A disorder characterized by a difficulty in retaining focus, especially on tasks, for long periods of time.

attention deficit disorder

American  

[uh-ten-shuhn def-uh-sit dis-awr-der] / əˈtɛn ʃən ˈdɛf ə sɪt dɪsˌɔr dər /

noun

1. ADD.

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attention deficit disorder British  

noun

1.  ADD.  a disorder, particularly of children, characterized by excessive activity and inability to concentrate on one task for any length of time

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Attention Deficit Disorder Cultural  

1. A disorder characterized by a difficulty in retaining focus, especially on tasks, for long periods of time.

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One of the most common reasons children are brought into therapy, ADD is often treated with the somewhat controversial drug Ritalin®, which is thought to work by stimulating the attention-focusing structures of the brain.

Etymology

Origin of attention deficit disorder

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

There remains no settled science on a causal link between Tylenol and autism or attention deficit disorder.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 29, 2025

Figures were also far higher for pupils with additional learning needs, including those with attention deficit disorder.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2024

Hanna first denied having any issues, chalking up his forgetfulness and mild cognitive impairment to old age and his longtime attention deficit disorder.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 21, 2023

Emma, an 18-year-old aspiring artist in Georgia with attention deficit disorder and occasional depression, says worries about academics and college are a huge source of stress.

From Washington Times • Apr. 17, 2023

But Mr. Brunner expected me to be as good as everybody else, despite the fact that I have dyslexia and attention deficit disorder and I had never made above a C— in my life.

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan