Retardedness
/rɪˈtɑːrdɪdnəs/
nounC2
Definition
Retardedness is the condition of having slower development, especially in mental or physical abilities. It describes when someone's growth or progress happens more slowly than usual. However, this word is old-fashioned and can hurt people, so it is better to use respectful terms like "developmental delay" or "intellectual disability."
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See It in Action
Medical/psychological condition of delayed development
- •The doctor explained the child’s retardedness in speech development.
- •Retardedness in physical growth can require special care.
- •The term "retardedness" is now replaced by more respectful language.
General idea of something happening more slowly than usual
- •The retardedness of the project caused frustration among the team.
- •Retardedness in progress means things are not moving as fast as planned.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "retardedness" like "slow," but about growth or development over time, not just speed of movement
- ✓Picture a plant growing slower than others in the garden—it takes more time to reach the same size
- ✓It’s the feeling when someone struggles to learn or do things as fast as others, needing extra help
- ✓Sounds like "re-TARD-ed-ness" → imagine a clock that runs late or slow, making everything happen later than normal
- ✓In stories or history, this word was used long ago to describe people with learning difficulties, but now we use kinder words
- ✓NOT like "slow" (which can mean moving slowly now), retardedness is about overall development being delayed
- ✓NOT like "disability" (broader term), retardedness focuses on delay or slowness in growth or ability
- ✓NOT like "delay" (temporary slow), retardedness can be a lasting condition
Try Other Words
- •Developmental delay: slower growth or learning (Use in medical or respectful contexts for children or adults with slower development)
- •Intellectual disability: condition with limitations in mental functioning (Use for respectful and modern descriptions of cognitive challenges)
- •Slowness: general slow speed or progress (Use for everyday situations without medical meaning)
- •Delay: something happening later than expected (Use for temporary or short-term slowing)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "retard" (to slow or delay) + suffix "-ed" (past participle) + "-ness" (state or condition)
- •Etymology: From Latin "retardare," meaning to make slow or delay
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 15th century to mean delay or slow down; later applied medically to describe slow development
- •Modern usage: Considered outdated and offensive when referring to people; replaced by kinder, more accurate terms in medicine and everyday speech
Reflect & Connect
•How do words like "retardedness" affect people’s feelings and why is it important to choose respectful language?
•Can you think of situations where describing slow progress is helpful without using words that might hurt others?
Fill in the blanks
1.The doctor said the child’s retardedness in speech meant he needed ___ support to improve.
2.Retardedness in a project’s timeline often causes ___ among team members and clients.
3.Unlike a simple delay, retardedness usually means the condition is ___ and needs special attention.
4.People now avoid using the word retardedness because it can ___ others and seems disrespectful.
5.When talking about learning difficulties, it is better to use ___ terms like "developmental delay."
6.Retardedness means slower development over time, not just moving ___ in one moment.
7.The teacher noticed retardedness in the student’s progress and planned extra ___ to help.