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

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

Ministers said they would "consider the report" but learning disability charity Scope called the proposals "deeply unhelpful and ill-informed."

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

“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

After a series of unsatisfactory report cards, my mother had begun to think that what many of my teachers were telling her was correct: I might have a learning disability.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore