retardation
noun
re·tar·da·tion
ˌrē-ˌtär-ˈdā-shən 
ri-
1
: an act or instance of retarding
2
: the extent to which something is retarded
3
: a musical suspension
specifically
: one that resolves upward
4
a(1)
: an abnormal slowness of thought or action
psychomotor retardation
(2)
now usually offensive
: intellectual disability
b
: slowness in development or progress
fetal growth retardation
Examples of retardation in a Sentence
The child suffered severe mental retardation.
The chemical induced a retardation of cell growth.
Recent Examples on the Web
The degree of retardation is usually mild, but can be moderate to severe.
—
Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2012
The criteria were: episodes that last no longer than 2 months, and that do not include suicidal feelings, psychotic symptoms, psychomotor retardation, or feelings of worthlessness.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2013
The Everrati's left pedal operates pads on discs in the normal fashion, but the motors also give powerful regenerative retardation when the accelerator is lifted.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 June 2021
The Vantage’s brake pedal has a nice firm weight but little travel, retardation being down to pressure rather than movement.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 28 Feb. 2018
The policy of retardation of submarine technology ended right after the beginning of the Anglo-German naval race (marked by the German Naval Laws of 1898 and 1900).
—chicagotribune.com, 28 July 2017
At the end Austen had psychomotor retardation and could barely move.
—Rene Chun, Los Angeles Magazine, 19 June 2017
The front wheels threaten to lock up under what feels like normal levels of retardation at low speeds.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 30 June 2017
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2012
The criteria were: episodes that last no longer than 2 months, and that do not include suicidal feelings, psychotic symptoms, psychomotor retardation, or feelings of worthlessness.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2013
The Everrati's left pedal operates pads on discs in the normal fashion, but the motors also give powerful regenerative retardation when the accelerator is lifted.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 June 2021
The Vantage’s brake pedal has a nice firm weight but little travel, retardation being down to pressure rather than movement.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 28 Feb. 2018
The policy of retardation of submarine technology ended right after the beginning of the Anglo-German naval race (marked by the German Naval Laws of 1898 and 1900).
—chicagotribune.com, 28 July 2017
At the end Austen had psychomotor retardation and could barely move.
—Rene Chun, Los Angeles Magazine, 19 June 2017
The front wheels threaten to lock up under what feels like normal levels of retardation at low speeds.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 30 June 2017
Dictionary Entries Near retardation
Cite this Entry
“Retardation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retardation. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
retardation
noun
re·tar·da·tion
ˌrē-ˌtär-ˈdā-shən
1
: an act or instance of retarding
2
: the extent to which something is retarded
3
usually offensive
: intellectual disability
Medical Definition
retardation
noun
re·tar·da·tion
ˌrē-ˌtär-ˈdā-shən, ri-
1
a
: an abnormal slowness of thought or action
psychomotor retardation
b
now usually offensive
: intellectual disability
2
: slowness in development or progress
fetal growth retardation
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