learning disability

American  

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

noun

• learning disabilities
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• learning disabilities
  plural

Etymology

Origin of learning disability

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

learning disability

A government spokesperson said "significant action" was already underway to improve care, adding that ministers would "do all we can for people with a learning disability and autistic people."

From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026

Gibney's son, Levi, is autistic and non-verbal with a severe learning disability.

From BBC ● Jun. 20, 2026

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

This usually applies to people with a severe learning disability or dementia, living in locked rehabilitation units or placements such as supported living or care homes.

From BBC ● Jun. 2, 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