WordGarden.ioretardation
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪtɑːdˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ritɑrˈdeɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
slowing, delay, or reduced rate of progress or development
a technical delay or phase lag in a physical, optical, acoustic, or engineering system
dated and now often offensive: intellectual disability or markedly slowed mental or developmental functioning
Beyond the definition
The word "retardation" basically means a slowing down or a delay in progress or development. In older medical and school settings, it was also used for intellectual disability, but that use is now outdated and widely offensive. When the word is applied to a person, it usually sounds insulting, even if that was not the speaker's intent.
You may still see it in technical or scientific contexts where it simply means delay or slowing, but in everyday English it carries a strong negative history because of how it was used about people. Today, respectful language uses clearer terms such as "intellectual disability," "developmental delay," or a direct description of a person's specific needs or condition.
"Retardation" fundamentally means a slowing, holding back, or delay in progress or development. In older formal English, it could describe delayed growth, slower movement, or reduced progress in a process, system, or plan. You may still come across related technical uses in science or engineering, where the idea is simply that something is slowed down or delayed.
The word also has an important history in medicine and education. For many years, "mental retardation" was an official term for what is now called "intellectual disability." Over time, that label became strongly associated with mockery, stigma, and disrespect. Because of that history, the word is now widely considered offensive when used about people, even if it appears in older books, records, or laws.
In modern English, the safest and clearest approach is to avoid this word for people altogether. Use terms such as "intellectual disability," "developmental delay," or another specific description that fits the situation. In most everyday contexts, "retardation" sounds harsh and outdated, while in technical contexts it may still keep its neutral sense of delay or slowing. The difference depends heavily on context, but when people are involved, respectful modern wording is the right choice.
Examples
- 1
Medical concern
The doctor was concerned about signs of growth retardation in the child.
- 2
Childhood development
Severe malnutrition in early childhood can lead to developmental retardation.
- 3
Fire safety
The manufacturer tested the fabric for flame retardation before selling it.
- Phraseflame retardation
the ability to slow down burning
- 4
Outdated term
The phrase "mental retardation" is now widely considered outdated and offensive.
- Caution
"mental retardation" is an old medical term that people usually avoid now
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- developmental delay
- arrested development
- lag
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- growth retardation
- psychomotor retardation
- flame retardation
- mental retardation
Word family
Explore
- inhibition
- intellectual disability
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- retardationnoun
Forms
- retardationspluralnoun