intellectual disability
noun
Note: The term intellectual disability is now preferred over mental retardation in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts, as well as in general use. The term mental retardation is increasingly considered offensive, though it was the dominant term into the second decade of the current century.
Examples of intellectual disability in a Sentence
Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 18 Jan. 2026
Researchers conducted a systematic review of numerous studies that looked at links between use of the pain reliever and autism, intellectual disabilities and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
—Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 17 Jan. 2026
Acetaminophen use during pregnancy is not likely to raise the risk of having a child with autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability, according to a new study published Friday.
—O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 16 Jan. 2026
The researchers found no evidence that acetaminophen use during pregnancy increases the risk of autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or intellectual disability among children.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intellectual disability
Cite this Entry
“Intellectual disability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intellectual%20disability. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
intellectual disability
nounNote: The term intellectual disability is now preferred over mental retardation in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts, as well as in general use. The term mental retardation is increasingly considered offensive, though it was the dominant term into the second decade of the current century.
Victor R. Martinez
