developmental disability

noun

plural developmental disabilities
: any of various conditions (such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, blindness, or fragile X syndrome) that usually become apparent during infancy or childhood and are marked by delayed development or functional limitations especially in learning, language, communication, cognition, behavior, socialization, or mobility
Two to three babies in 1,000 have cerebral palsy (CP), making it one of the most common developmental disabilities.—Melanie Howard
Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects how a person communicates and relates to other people.—Braema Mathi
developmentally disabled adjective
developmentally disabled students

Examples of developmental disability 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.
Several iterations of the idea have since taken shape, expanding to refugees, students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, seniors with chronic illness. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 The Succession alum played Downey’s brother Dale, who has an unspecified developmental disability. — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Aug. 2026 Supporting someone with an intellectual or developmental disability through home- and community-based services costs about $70,500 per year, versus more than $395,000 annually in a public institution. — Barbara Merrill, Time, 11 Aug. 2026 Since 1969, all Californians with developmental disabilities have been entitled to these services under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for developmental disability

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of developmental disability was in 1944

Rhymes for developmental disability

See All Rhymes for developmental disability

Browse Nearby Words

developmental biology
developmental disability
developmental disorder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Developmental disability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/developmental%20disability. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

developmental disability

noun
: any of various conditions (as autism, cerebral palsy, or intellectual disability) that are marked by delayed or impaired development (as in learning, language, or mobility)
developmentally disabled adjective

Medical Definition

developmental disability

noun
: any of various conditions (as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, blindness, or fragile X syndrome) that usually become apparent during infancy or childhood and are marked by delayed development or functional limitations especially in learning, language, communication, cognition, behavior, socialization, or mobility
Two to three babies in 1,000 have cerebral palsy (CP), making it one of the most common developmental disabilities.—Melanie Howard
Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects how a person communicates and relates to other people.—Braema Mathi
developmentally disabled adjective
developmentally disabled children
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