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

“To every kid with a learning disability: don’t let anyone — not even the President of the United States — bully you,” Newsom wrote on X. “Dyslexia isn’t a weakness. It’s your strength.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 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

Among autistic adults without a learning disability, small changes appeared: deaths from suicide, misadventure or accidental death rose from 29.1% to 31.5%, representing a two‑person change.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

He added there was "no excuse" for failing to support people with a learning disability to access "life-saving cancer screening and timely diagnosis".

From BBC • Jan. 28, 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