retardation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retardation" is correct and usable in written English, though it may be considered outdated or insensitive in some contexts.
It can be used in scientific or technical contexts, particularly in physics or psychology, to refer to a slowing down or delay in a process. Example: "The retardation of the vehicle was due to the sudden application of the brakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This action, Kant argues, constitutes a retarding moment on the Earth's surface (1 187); this retardation, he infers, slows down the Earth's rotation (1 188); and the lunar brake only lets go, he concludes, when days are as long as lunar months (1 190).

SEP

Hill's attorney, Brian Kammer, issued a statement after the stay: "All the doctors who have examined Mr Hill are unanimous in their diagnosis of mental retardation, so there is no question that his execution would have been in violation of the US supreme court's 2002 ruling in Atkins v Virginia.

The Guardian

"The state of Georgia remains an extreme outlier in requiring that defendants prove they have mental retardation 'beyond a reasonable doubt'.

The Guardian

Among them were a statement that the human papilloma virus was linked to "mental retardation" and the false assertion that "Barack Obama has a $1.4bn-a-year 1.4bn-a-year 1.4bn-a-yearxcesses".

The Guardian

Yet even in that regard Warren Hill has been found to meet the definition – he has an undisputed IQ of 70 and all nine medical experts who have diagnosed him over the years have declared him to fall into the "mental retardation" category beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Guardian

The ruling left a tiny gap through which death penalty states could wriggle by leaving it up to them to define the legal standard under which "mental retardation" – known in modern medical parlance as intellectual disability – is defined.

The Guardian

2. Of those nine, three forensic psychiatrists gave evidence 12 years ago at a crucial stage in Hill's case, finding that he did not meet the designation of "mental retardation".

The Guardian

In other words, Florida wants to execute more people, and therefore uses the most rigid definition of retardation that it can get away with.

The Economist

A response from the American Academy of Pediatrics:The American Academy of Pediatrics would like to correct false statements made in the Republican presidential campaign that HPV vaccine is dangerous and can cause mental retardation.

The Economist

He noted that it took ten years after his initial conviction for Mr Hall's lawyers to raise the issue of retardation.

The Economist

For anybody who supports liberal trade, the mere possibility that the WTO might now become a cause of economic retardation is deeply disturbing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to intellectual disabilities, consider using more sensitive and contemporary terms such as "intellectual disability" or "developmental disability" to avoid causing offense.

Common error

Avoid using the term "retardation" in casual or informal contexts as it carries a history of derogatory usage and can be offensive. Opt for more neutral or specific terms depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The noun "retardation" functions primarily to denote the act of slowing down or delaying something, or the state of being slowed down. Ludwig provides examples in various contexts, from physical processes to intellectual development, showing its broad application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "retardation" is used to describe a slowing or delaying process, with a noted prominence in news, encyclopedic, and scientific sources, according to Ludwig. However, Ludwig AI highlights that while grammatically sound, the term is increasingly considered outdated and potentially offensive, especially when referring to intellectual abilities. It is advisable to use more sensitive and contemporary alternatives like "intellectual disability" or contextually appropriate terms like ""deceleration"" or "delay" to avoid causing offense. Therefore, while "retardation" remains technically correct in some contexts, its usage should be approached with caution and sensitivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delay

Emphasizes a temporary postponement or interruption.

deceleration

Specifically refers to a decrease in speed or velocity.

hindrance

Highlights an obstacle or impediment preventing progress.

impediment

Indicates something that obstructs or hinders progress.

slowing

Refers to the act of becoming slower or less active.

obstruction

Signifies something that blocks or prevents movement or progress.

impedance

Focuses on the resistance to flow or movement.

stunting

Implies a restriction in growth or development.

holdback

Highlights the act of restraining or preventing something from advancing.

brake

Indicates a mechanism or action used to slow down or stop motion.

FAQs

How can I use "retardation" in a sentence?

While "retardation" can refer to a slowing down or delay, it's often used in specific scientific or technical contexts. For example: "The "retardation of growth" was observed due to nutrient deficiency."

What is a more sensitive alternative to "mental retardation"?

The preferred term is "intellectual disability", which is considered more respectful and accurate in describing cognitive impairments.

What does "retardation" mean in a physics context?

In physics, "retardation" refers to "deceleration" or the act of slowing something down. For example, "The retardation of the particle was caused by friction."

Is it appropriate to use "retardation" in general conversation?

No, using "retardation" in general conversation is strongly discouraged due to its negative connotations and potential to offend. Use alternative terms like "delay" or "slowdown" instead.