learning disability

noun

: any of various conditions (such as dyslexia or dysgraphia) that interfere with an individual's ability to learn and so result in impaired functioning in language, reasoning, or academic skills (such as reading, writing, and mathematics) and that are thought to be caused by difficulties in processing and integrating information

called also learning difference

learning disabled adjective

Examples of learning disability in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Public education is the foundation of opportunity in New York City, a chance for every child to get a world-class education that sets them up for success in the future — including the children of multilingual families and students with learning disabilities. —Eric Adams, New York Daily News, 24 June 2024

Advocacy groups for students with learning disabilities have not offered an opinion to the Supreme Court but are keeping an eye on Pitta's appeal. —Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 5 June 2024

However, the Blanchard family disputes the show’s depiction of Nick as a well-meaning kid living with learning disabilities. —Katie Rife, EW.com, 9 June 2024

Attorneys with the Student Advocacy Center argued the children did not possess learning disabilities, but instead spoke African American English, a language the school's white teachers struggled to grasp or accept. —Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press, 25 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

learning disability

noun

: any of various conditions (as attention deficit disorder and dyslexia) that interfere with a person's ability to learn basic academic skills

called also learning difference

learning disabled adjective

Medical Definition

learning disability

noun

: any of various disorders (as dyslexia or dysgraphia) that interfere with an individual's ability to learn resulting in impaired functioning in verbal language, reasoning, or academic skills (as reading, writing, and mathematics) and are thought to be caused by difficulties in processing and integrating information

—abbreviation LD

learning disabled adjective