learning disability

American  

[lur-ning dis-uh-bil-i-tee] / ˈlɜr nɪŋ ˌdɪs ə bɪl ɪ ti /

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.

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learning disability Scientific  

/ 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.

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Etymology

Origin of learning disability

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

White said that she had to prove that Caleb had a learning disability "having been in special school since he was three with complex needs".

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

She said that he was "not considered to have a learning disability because his IQ assessment scored just four points above the qualifying threshhold of 70."

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

He said it’s rare to diagnose a learning disability in high school, and when someone comes to him for an evaluation that’s curiously close to the SAT or ACT, it’s a “red flag.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

The insults first materialized when a video went viral of Newsom speaking at a book tour appearance with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during which he discussed his lifelong struggle with the learning disability.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

In the back of his mind, he started to wonder if he had a learning disability.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel