intellectual disability

noun

: mild to severe impairment in intellectual ability equivalent to an IQ of 70 to 75 or below that is accompanied by significant limitations in social, practical, and conceptual skills (as in interpersonal communication, reasoning, or self-care) necessary for independent daily functioning and that has an onset before age 18

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 intellectual 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.
In children, exposure to heavy metals has been linked to lower IQ scores, intellectual disabilities, behavioral disorders, respiratory problems, cancer and cardiovascular diseases, and pregnant people can experience miscarriage, stillbirth or birth defects in their children. Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 Earlier this year, Farrell launched the Colin Farrell Foundation to provide support for families who have adult children living with intellectual disabilities. Lianne Kolirin, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024 Proceeds benefit programs at GiGi's Playhouse Charlotte which helps those with intellectual disabilities. Alexis Clinton, Axios, 10 Oct. 2024 Later infection can lead to congenital health problems for the baby, including intellectual disability, seizures, blindness and more. Mustafa Fattah, NBC News, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intellectual disability 

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intellectual disability was in 1809

Dictionary Entries Near intellectual disability

Cite this Entry

“Intellectual disability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intellectual%20disability. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

intellectual disability

noun
: mild to severe impairment in intellectual ability accompanied by significant limitations in skills (as in communication, reasoning, or self-care) necessary for independent daily functioning

Medical Definition

intellectual disability

noun
: mild to severe impairment in intellectual ability equivalent to an IQ of 70 to 75 or below that is accompanied by significant limitations in social, practical, and conceptual skills (as in interpersonal communication, reasoning, or self-care) necessary for independent daily functioning and that has an onset before age 18

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.

… Rosa's Law, which changed references in federal law from "mental retardation" to "intellectual disability" and references to a mentally retarded individual to an individual with an intellectual disability.Victor R. Martinez
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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