learning disability

[ lur-ning dis-uh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

1. Also called specific learning disability. a disorder, such as dyslexia, characterized by difficulty in one specific cognitive area, including understanding or using spoken or written language, understanding or using numbers and mathematical concepts, coordinating movements, or directing attention.
2. Chiefly British. intellectual disability ( def ).

learning disability

/ lûr′nĭng /

1. Any of various disabilities of the basic cognitive and psychological processes involved in using language or performing mathematical calculations. Learning disabilities are not caused by low intelligence, emotional disturbance, or physical impairment (as of hearing). Dyslexia is a common learning disability.

Word History and Origins

Origin of learning disability¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Lloyd Martin, 20, whose family is from Cardiff, made history earlier this year as the youngest person in his learning disability category to complete a marathon.

From BBC

A "humiliating" school policy that forced children to carry lanyards identifying their learning disabilities at all times has been dropped after a backlash from parents.

From BBC

He dismissed defence claims about MacPhail's low IQ and learning disabilities, adding the teenager intended to kill Holly and "knew how final death was".

From BBC

The announcement follows a BBC Spotlight programme highlighting the plight of families of children with autism and a severe learning disability.

From BBC

It’s been pointed out that people with learning disabilities can be held back by overly positive feedback, which stops them from developing their skills.

From BBC