executive function

noun

psychology
: the group of complex mental processes and cognitive abilities (such as working memory, impulse inhibition, and reasoning) that control the skills (such as organizing tasks, remembering details, managing time, and solving problems) required for goal-directed behavior
The biggest impacts, she says, are in enhancing what's known as executive function—the ability to perform complex tasks that rely on planning or decision making.Janet Raloff
also : one of these complex mental processes
But a new study reports that soccer players actually have superior executive functions, the brain processes responsible for planning and abstract thinking. Sindya N. Bhanoo
executive functioning noun
Measures of attention, hyperactivity, and executive functioning (the ability to process feedback, interpret life's good and bad moments, and react in an appropriate way to events) were based on reports from parents and teachers … David Kirby

Examples of executive function in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But a growing consensus among researchers say that the condition is really a disorder of executive function, which describes skills like self-control, planning, and organizing. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024 In one study, for example, people who had hypertension in their 40s to early 60s had a 6.5% steeper decline in cognitive skills—including mental processing speed and executive function—in their 70s, 80s, and 90s, compared to those with normal blood pressure. Angela Haupt, TIME, 17 Oct. 2024 In a college admissions landscape that is more competitive than ever, executive function skills have emerged as a critical differentiator. Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024 Conversely, having more mental health issues at the start also predicted a decline in executive function over the same period. Mark Travers, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for executive function 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'executive function.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of executive function was in 1972

Dictionary Entries Near executive function

Cite this Entry

“Executive function.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executive%20function. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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