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mental retardation
noun
Note: The term intellectual disability is now preferred over mental retardation in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts, as well as in general use. The term mental retardation is increasingly considered offensive, though it was the dominant term into the second decade of the current century.
Examples of mental retardation in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mental retardation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
1901, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near mental retardation
Cite this Entry
“Mental retardation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mental%20retardation. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
Medical Definition
mental retardation
nounNote: The term intellectual disability is now preferred over mental retardation in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts, as well as in general use. The term mental retardation is increasingly considered offensive, though it was the dominant term into the second decade of the current century.
More from Merriam-Webster on mental retardation
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for mental retardation
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mental retardation
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