learning disability

[ lur-ning dis-uh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

1. Also called specific learning disability. a disorder, such as dyslexia, characterized by difficulty in one specific cognitive area, including understanding or using spoken or written language, understanding or using numbers and mathematical concepts, coordinating movements, or directing attention.
2. Chiefly British. intellectual disability ( def ).

learning disability

/ lûr′nĭng /

1. Any of various disabilities of the basic cognitive and psychological processes involved in using language or performing mathematical calculations. Learning disabilities are not caused by low intelligence, emotional disturbance, or physical impairment (as of hearing). Dyslexia is a common learning disability.

Word History and Origins

Origin of learning disability¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Or a sibling may have a learning disability that hinders his or her efforts.

From The Daily Beast

But the media reacted to what was clearly a calculated piece of rhetoric as if Romney had a learning disability.

From The Daily Beast