retarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'retarded' is not considered appropriate or correct in written English.
It is seen as a derogatory term and should not be used to describe a person or disability. It is always best to avoid using this term. If you are looking for a replacement terms that are considered more appropriate and politically correct, you might consider using words such as "chronically late" or "developmentally delayed". Example: John was running late again, which really started to become a chronic issue.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even Warren Hill, a man with an IQ of 70 who is diagnosed as mentally retarded by every doctor who has examined him, found it impossible to meet this standard of proof".

The Guardian

The supreme court is heavily entwined in the Hill case because it was the court's own 2002 ruling, Atkins v Virginia, that banned the death sentence for "mentally retarded" prisoners.

The Guardian

1. Nine doctors have now given expert medical opinion that Warren Hill is "mentally retarded" – the official terminology still widely used in the US in legal parlance.

The Guardian

4. The US supreme court in 2002 banned executions for prisoners who are "mentally retarded" – in other words, those with learning difficulties.

The Guardian

In plain English, he was likely to be "mentally retarded" and fall into the very category of prisoner who the supreme court had just declared must not be executed.

The Guardian

A prisoner in Georgia who has been diagnosed as intellectually disabled by all medical experts who have examined him will be put to death on Monday unless the US supreme court acts to enforce its own constitutional ban on executing "mentally retarded" individuals.

The Guardian

Georgia is the only state in the union that insists that death row inmates must prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" that they are intellectually disabled – or "mentally retarded" in the designation still widely used in US judicial circles – if they are to avoid execution.

The Guardian

Hill has now been found to be intellectually disabled – or, as the courts still put it, "mentally retarded" – by all nine medical specialists who have evaluated him.

The Guardian

7. When Georgia banned executions of the "mentally retarded", it applied a standard to such cases that meant that death row prisoners had to prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" that they had learning difficulties.

The Guardian

The justices ruled that such executions violated the eighth amendment of the US constitution that prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. 5. Just months after the supreme court ban was imposed, a Georgia court found that Hill was "mentally retarded" by a "preponderance of the evidence".

The Guardian

The US supreme court banned the death penalty for "mentally retarded" prisoners in 2002, but left it up to individual states to determine how they would define the condition with their own "appropriate" procedures.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the word "retarded" in any context. It is now considered a derogatory and offensive term. Instead, opt for respectful and accurate alternatives like "intellectually disabled" or "developmentally delayed".

Common error

Avoid using "retarded" even if you believe it's in a historical or clinical context. The negative connotations outweigh any perceived neutrality. Always prioritize respectful and current terminology.

Linguistic Context

Historically used as an adjective to describe individuals with intellectual disabilities, the term "retarded" now functions primarily as an offensive slur. Its use is strongly discouraged due to its negative connotations. Ludwig indicates its presence in older texts and legal contexts, but its acceptability is severely limited.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "retarded", while historically used in clinical settings, is now widely considered offensive and derogatory. Ludwig AI's analysis of real-world examples reveals its presence in news articles and academic texts, but it is crucial to recognize that its usage is inappropriate in contemporary English. The term's negative connotations make it harmful and disrespectful. As such, it's best to avoid using the word "retarded" altogether and instead opt for respectful and accurate alternatives like "intellectually disabled" or "developmentally delayed". Prioritizing sensitivity and inclusivity in language is essential for fostering a respectful and understanding environment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectually disabled

Replaces an outdated and offensive term with the currently accepted and respectful descriptor for cognitive impairments.

intellectual disability

Directly addresses intellectual functioning limitations; a medical and legal term.

developmentally delayed

Focuses on the pace of development rather than implying a fixed state of being, suitable for younger individuals.

cognitive impairment

A broader term that encompasses a range of cognitive difficulties, avoiding the stigma associated with the original word.

learning disability

Highlights challenges in learning and processing information, appropriate when the context is educational.

with learning difficulties

Emphasizes the challenges faced in the learning process.

mentally challenged

An older euphemism that, while once considered polite, is now often seen as condescending; use with caution.

having special needs

A general phrase that acknowledges additional support requirements without specifying the nature of the need.

neurodivergent

Describes variations in cognitive function and processing; part of the neurodiversity paradigm.

slow learner

Describes the rate at which someone learns, but can sound insensitive if not used carefully.

FAQs

Why is the word "retarded" considered offensive?

The term "retarded" has a history of being used to demean and insult people with intellectual disabilities. Its association with mockery and belittlement makes it a hurtful and inappropriate term.

What are some respectful alternatives to "retarded" when referring to intellectual disabilities?

You can use phrases like "intellectually disabled", "developmentally delayed", or "cognitive impairment". These terms are more accurate and show respect for individuals.

Is it ever acceptable to use the word "retarded"?

In contemporary English, it is generally not acceptable to use the word "retarded". Its negative connotations make it inappropriate in most contexts. Prioritize respectful and up-to-date language.

How has the terminology for describing intellectual disabilities changed over time?

Historically, terms like "idiot", "imbecile", and "moron" were used, but these are now considered offensive. The shift towards "intellectual disability" and similar phrases reflects a growing awareness of the importance of respectful and accurate language.