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

I’m packed full of all these learning disabilities and things, always struggled with school.

From Freakonomics

The new findings show that learning disabilities are much less specific than we usually assume, he notes.

From Science News For Students

He grew up in the county and says he was born premature, in part because of poor nutritional decisions his birth mother made, and suffered learning disabilities and health problems that he links to poor nutrition.

From Washington Post

Jeffries notes that moving classes online could also make it easier for prospective doctors with physical or learning disabilities to participate, since they could tailor their environment to fit their needs.

From Time

Quincey, who has a learning disability, couldn’t log into classes for more than a week.

From ProPublica

Or a sibling may have a learning disability that hinders his or her efforts.

From The Daily Beast

But the media reacted to what was clearly a calculated piece of rhetoric as if Romney had a learning disability.

From The Daily Beast