special needs

plural noun

: any of various difficulties (such as a physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disability or impairment) that causes an individual to require additional or specialized services or accommodations (such as in education or recreation)
students with special needs
special-needs adjective
or special needs
special-needs children
a special needs teacher

Examples of special needs 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.
Montana and North Carolina have launched accounts just for students with special needs, and New Hampshire established its ESA in 2021 for families with 350% or less of the poverty rate (a household income of $105,000 or less for a family of four). Emma Whitford, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 Vick has been active in the Perry Township school district and has worked as a substitute teacher, teacher’s aide for special needs students and an assistant track and field coach. Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 14 Nov. 2024 Thomas-Walker has a background in public education, specifically in working with children with special needs. Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024 After sticking up for his special needs sister and punching a bully, a middle schooler must defend his actions in this new musical by Ben Decter and Kristin Hanggi. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for special needs 

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of special needs was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near special needs

Cite this Entry

“Special needs.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20needs. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

special needs

plural noun
: any of various difficulties (such as physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disability or impairment) that causes an individual to require additional or specialized services or accommodations (such as in education or recreation)
special–needs adjective

Medical Definition

special needs

noun plural
: the individual requirements (as for education) of a person with a disadvantaged background or a mental, emotional, or physical disability or a high risk of developing one
Some urban homeschooled kids, particularly those with special needs, were previously enrolled in school but not served well there.Linda Perlstein, Newsweek
special-needs adjective
special-needs students
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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