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special needs
[ spesh-uhl needz ]
/ ˈspɛʃ əl ˈnidz /
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plural noun Sometimes Offensive.
the special educational requirements of those with learning difficulties, emotional or behavioral problems, or physical disabilities.
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Origin of special needs
First recorded in 1895–1900
usage note for special needs
See special.
OTHER WORDS FROM special needs
spe·cial-needs, adjectiveWords nearby special needs
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use special needs in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for special needs
special needs
special educational needs
pl n
- the educational requirements of pupils or students suffering from any of a wide range of physical disabilities, medical conditions, intellectual difficulties, or emotional problems, including deafness, blindness, dyslexia, learning difficulties, and behavioural problems
- (as modifier)special-needs teachers
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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