developmental disability

noun

plural developmental disabilities
: any of various conditions (such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, blindness, or fragile X syndrome) that usually become apparent during infancy or childhood and are marked by delayed development or functional limitations especially in learning, language, communication, cognition, behavior, socialization, or mobility
Two to three babies in 1,000 have cerebral palsy (CP), making it one of the most common developmental disabilities.Melanie Howard
Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects how a person communicates and relates to other people.Braema Mathi
developmentally disabled adjective
developmentally disabled students

Examples of developmental disability in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The center, 114 N. Orchard Drive, houses adults 18 and older with developmental disabilities. Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025 His foundation has similar goals to that of Best Buddies, trying to help those with developmental disabilities enter the workforce. Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Feb. 2025 The victim was in front of the Mercy Home For Children, an organization dedicated to children with developmental disabilities, when she was struck. Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2025 North Central remained the site’s owner until 1989, when Little Friends — a social service agency that works with people with autism and developmental disabilities — purchased the property. Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for developmental disability 

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of developmental disability was in 1944

Dictionary Entries Near developmental disability

Cite this Entry

“Developmental disability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/developmental%20disability. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

developmental disability

noun
: any of various conditions (as autism, cerebral palsy, or intellectual disability) that are marked by delayed or impaired development (as in learning, language, or mobility)
developmentally disabled adjective

Medical Definition

developmental disability

noun
: any of various conditions (as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, blindness, or fragile X syndrome) that usually become apparent during infancy or childhood and are marked by delayed development or functional limitations especially in learning, language, communication, cognition, behavior, socialization, or mobility
Two to three babies in 1,000 have cerebral palsy (CP), making it one of the most common developmental disabilities.Melanie Howard
Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects how a person communicates and relates to other people.Braema Mathi
developmentally disabled adjective
developmentally disabled children
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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