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.
Spurgeon, an 18-year-old with Down syndrome, is among a group of individuals with developmental disabilities who attend inclusive fitness classes at Quinn’s Gym in Carmichael. — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026 Proceeds support programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 30 July 2026 Two days after her performance at the game, Donegan spoke at the leadership conference for Best Buddies, a nonprofit that advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 24 July 2026 Qualifying for this program differs based on a person’s medical condition and varies by state, but it is most widely used for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have high care needs. — O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 13 July 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 6 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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