special needs
plural noun
: any of various difficulties (such as a physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disability or impairment) that causes an individual to require additional or specialized services or accommodations (such as in education or recreation)
students with special needs
special-needs
adjective
or special needs
special-needs children
a special needs teacher
Examples of special needs in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Particular kudos for being able to respond swiftly and smoothly to special needs and impromptu requests.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Pets fit within a broader national caregiving crisis Pet care may not be the most acute need among many families caring for children with special needs and aging parents with health issues.
—Krysta Escobar, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026
Scholarships can be used for tuition, tutoring, special needs services, transportation and educational technology.
—Claudia Nachtigal, Baltimore Sun, 27 Mar. 2026
Another glaring question—how was Servant able to work with students with special needs at the Special Education District of Lake County during this period of constant abuse allegations and investigations?
—Megan De Mar, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for special needs
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Pets fit within a broader national caregiving crisis Pet care may not be the most acute need among many families caring for children with special needs and aging parents with health issues.
—Krysta Escobar, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026
Scholarships can be used for tuition, tutoring, special needs services, transportation and educational technology.
—Claudia Nachtigal, Baltimore Sun, 27 Mar. 2026
Another glaring question—how was Servant able to work with students with special needs at the Special Education District of Lake County during this period of constant abuse allegations and investigations?
—Megan De Mar, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for special needs
Cite this Entry
“Special needs.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20needs. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
special needs
noun plural
: the individual requirements (as for education) of a person with a disadvantaged background or a mental, emotional, or physical disability or a high risk of developing one
Some urban homeschooled kids, particularly those with special needs, were previously enrolled in school but not served well there.—Linda Perlstein, Newsweek
Linda Perlstein, Newsweek
special-needs
adjective
special-needs students
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