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
Brad Quick, CNBC, 10 Feb. 2026
Maye has taken over the reins from Brady as an ambassador for Best Buddies, an international organization that supports countless individuals with intellectual disabilities across New England.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026
Our son Michael, a young man with some significant intellectual disabilities, is a huge Boston Bruins fan.
—Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
Their data included over 262,000 children assessed for autism, over 335,000 for ADHD and over 406,000 for an intellectual disability.
—Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 18 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 15 Feb. 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
