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
Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
Not all fetuses exposed to alcohol have birth defects or go on to develop intellectual disabilities, researchers say.
—Isabella Cueto, STAT, 19 May 2026
Noel, who had physical and intellectual disabilities, was reported missing in March 2023, months after he was last seen in the fall of 2022.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026
Colleges can create more paths for athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete and be part of athletic communities.
—Zoya Hasan, Forbes.com, 15 May 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 23 May. 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
