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

He has autism, ADHD, severe learning disability and is non-verbal.

From BBC ● Jun. 20, 2026

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

From BBC ● Jun. 20, 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

If their IQ is assessed to be more than 70 then they are not judged to have a learning disability.

From BBC ● Jun. 3, 2026

What she didn’t know was that my problem in school was much more basic than a learning disability.

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