apraxia

1 of 2

noun

aprax·​ia (ˌ)ā-ˈprak-sē-ə How to pronounce apraxia (audio)
: loss or impairment of the ability to execute complex coordinated movements without muscular or sensory impairment
apractic
(ˌ)ā-ˈprak-tik How to pronounce apraxia (audio)
adjective
or apraxic
(ˌ)ā-ˈprak-sik How to pronounce apraxia (audio)

apractic

2 of 2

adjective

aprac·​tic (ˌ)ā-¦prak-tik How to pronounce apractic (audio)
variants or apraxic
(ˌ)ā-ˈprak-sik How to pronounce apractic (audio)
: of, relating to, or marked by apraxia

Examples of apraxia 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.
Noun
Her 12-year-old son, Whitman, has autism and a neurological disorder called apraxia, in which the brain struggles to tell muscles how to move to form words or perform other motor skills. — Annie Ma, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Her 12-year-old son, Whitman, has autism and a neurological disorder called apraxia, in which the brain struggles to tell muscles how to move to form words or perform other motor skills. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 Heap’s daughter, 10, has apraxia of speech, a neurological speech disorder, and spent years attending speech therapy about three times a week. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026 The center plans to create a widespread resource platform that can help families across the country locate the nearest apraxia specialist. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apraxia

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from Greek apraxía "lack of activity, inaction," from apraktós "idle, unsuccessful, ineffective" (from a- a- entry 2 + praktós, verbal adjective of prássein "to do") + -ia -ia entry 1 — more at practical entry 1

Adjective

apractic from Greek apraktos not taking part in action, from a- a- entry 2 + -praktos (from prattein, prassein to do, carry out); apraxic from New Latin apraxia + English -ic

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1881, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of apraxia was circa 1881

Rhymes for apraxia

See All Rhymes for apraxia

Browse Nearby Words

Apra Harbor
apraxia
après
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Apraxia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apraxia. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

apraxia

noun
aprax·​ia (ˈ)ā-ˈprak-sē-ə How to pronounce apraxia (audio)
: loss or impairment of the ability to execute complex coordinated movements without muscular or sensory impairment compare eupraxia
apractic
-ˈprak-tik How to pronounce apraxia (audio)
adjective
or apraxic
-ˈprak-sik How to pronounce apraxia (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on apraxia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about apraxia

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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