Synonyms

ADHD

American

[ey-dee-eych-dee] / ˈeɪˌdiˈeɪtʃˌdi /

abbreviation

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a condition, usually apparent in childhood but often persisting into adulthood, characterized by difficulties with executive function, lack of focus, hyperactivity, and/or impulsiveness: the three subtypes of ADHD are inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.

ADHD British

abbreviation

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

ADHD Scientific

Abbreviation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Etymology

Origin of ADHD

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Law firms are adapting to the trend, with Goodwin Procter launching a program to support associates with ADHD.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Elaine Pinggal of Monash University and her team investigated whether this type of brain activity plays a role in attention challenges, particularly in adults with ADHD.

From Science Daily • Mar. 17, 2026

According to Pinggal, a possible next step is to test whether this same method could reduce daytime sleep like brain activity in people with ADHD.

From Science Daily • Mar. 17, 2026

Specifically, according to Alexander, “D-MER does tend to be more prevalent in those who have ADHD, are autistic, or people that have dealt with previous diagnosis of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.”

From Slate • Mar. 15, 2026

The funny thing was, even with ADHD, when it came to gymnastics, I could be laser focused.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023