learning disability

American  

[lur-ning dis-uh-bil-i-tee] / ˈlɜr nɪŋ ˌdɪs ə bɪl ɪ ti /

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.

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learning disability Scientific  

/ 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.

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Etymology

Origin of learning disability

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

The insults first materialized when a video went viral of Newsom speaking at a book tour appearance with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during which he discussed his lifelong struggle with the learning disability.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

“To every kid with a learning disability: don’t let anyone — not even the President of the United States — bully you,” Newsom wrote on X. “Dyslexia isn’t a weakness. It’s your strength.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust and Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which provide mental health and learning disability services, were both approached for comment but no-one was available.

From BBC • Oct. 17, 2025

Carmarthenshire council said its community learning disability team had met Rory and his family to review his needs.

From BBC • Sep. 28, 2025

I’ll lie and insist that there’s been a computer error and that I am supposed to be in the Distinguished Scholars class, even though I suck in English and have a learning disability.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers