low cognitive ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "low cognitive ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing intelligence, learning capabilities, or mental health assessments. Example: "The study focused on individuals with low cognitive ability to understand the impact of educational interventions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

His main academic interest is in identifying the solutions to poverty, malnutrition, disease and low cognitive ability in developing countries.

Cornell University

High cognitive ability was associated with good performance with both texts, whereas low cognitive ability was associated with poor performance on low cohesion text.

Learning and Individual Differences

However, the goal did have an effect on some of the indicators taken alone (total problem-solving time, total viewing time, and model-viewing frequency) but this was true only for subjects with a low cognitive ability.

Learning and Individual Differences

There is also evidence that this is the case for those with a low cognitive ability.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

For example, unless the recruitment involves an IQ test, a low cognitive ability may be possible to hide, and as a result individuals with a low cognitive ability may only experience rather short unemployment spells.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Some models, such as the ones accounting for occupations, also indicated that lower educated and those with a low cognitive ability are more sensitive to the unemployment rate.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The 11-plus, just like Burt's earlier "thinking-speed" detector, would certainly identify people with either very high or low cognitive abilities.

The Guardian

This may be particularly difficult to achieve with a large population, or if individuals have low cognitive abilities [14].

Plosone

However, among pupils with low cognitive abilities, those with high EI did significantly better academically than those with low EI.

Educational Psychology

Risk for schizophrenia should be evaluated in light of existing clinical and cognitive risk factors (e.g. low cognitive abilities, presence of an anxiety disorder).

European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Thus, some of individuals in the aMCI group may have been misclassified due to a general low cognitive abilities or a more a temporary cognitive impairment.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "low cognitive ability", provide specific examples or context to clarify the nature and extent of the cognitive limitations. This helps avoid generalizations and ensures a more accurate and sensitive portrayal.

Common error

Be careful not to use the phrase "low cognitive ability" in a way that stigmatizes or devalues individuals. Instead, focus on specific cognitive challenges and strengths, and emphasize the potential for support and growth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low cognitive ability" functions as a descriptive term, typically serving as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (e.g., "workers with low cognitive ability"). As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a valid and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "low cognitive ability" is a commonly used descriptor in academic, scientific, and news contexts to refer to limitations in cognitive functions. According to Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. While grammatically sound, care should be taken to use it sensitively, avoiding stigmatizing or discriminatory language. Related phrases such as "reduced cognitive function" or "impaired cognitive capacity" may offer more nuanced alternatives. When communicating about individuals with "low cognitive ability", specificity and respect are paramount. Common errors include using the phrase too broadly or insensitively, which can perpetuate negative stereotypes. Therefore, focusing on specific cognitive challenges and strengths ensures more accurate and empathetic communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced cognitive function

Focuses on the functional aspect of cognition being diminished, rather than a fixed trait.

impaired cognitive capacity

Emphasizes the limited capacity for cognitive processes.

limited cognitive skills

Highlights the deficiency in specific cognitive skills.

deficient cognitive processing

Centers on the inefficiency of cognitive processing.

intellectual disability

A more clinical term, suggesting a diagnosed condition.

below average intelligence

Indicates a lower than normal level of general intelligence.

cognitive impairment

Suggests a general decline or deficit in cognitive functions.

poor cognitive performance

Focuses on the substandard performance in cognitive tasks.

diminished mental acuity

Highlights reduced sharpness and clarity of thought.

lack of cognitive proficiency

Emphasizes the absence of skillful cognitive performance.

FAQs

How can I accurately describe someone with "low cognitive ability" in a sensitive manner?

Instead of broadly labeling someone, focus on specific areas of cognitive function that are affected. For example, you might say "struggles with abstract reasoning" or "has difficulty with short-term memory".

What are some contexts where using the phrase "low cognitive ability" might be inappropriate?

Avoid using the phrase casually or in situations where it could lead to discrimination or prejudice. It's generally best to use more specific and descriptive language, especially in educational or professional settings.

What's the difference between "low cognitive ability" and "intellectual disability"?

"Low cognitive ability" is a broader term that can refer to a range of cognitive limitations, while "intellectual disability" is a specific diagnosis defined by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior.

What are some strategies for communicating effectively with individuals who have "low cognitive ability"?

Use clear and simple language, break down complex tasks into smaller steps, and provide visual aids or hands-on activities to support understanding. Patience and positive reinforcement are also key.