retarded growth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retarded growth" is considered outdated and potentially offensive in written English.
It can be used in a medical or scientific context to describe growth that is slower than expected, but it is advisable to use more sensitive language. Example: "The patient exhibited retarded growth due to a hormonal imbalance."

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This overlap in regulated genes in light is further in agreement with the retarded growth phenotype of T. reesei strains lacking env1 [ 22, 47], as retarded growth is also observed upon lack of acy1 [ 26].

BMC Genomics

There was retarded growth and problems with fertility.

The New Yorker

Its relatively meager2.5percentnt expansion last year retarded growth across the continent.

The New York Times

These and other structural problems have retarded growth and wages for decades.

The New York Times

Interestingly, overexpression of nuoN encoding NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase retarded growth of cells even under normal conditions (Fig. 4a).

Nature

Further, atrazine exposure results in neural damage and hyperactivity and induces a hormonal stress response that leads to retarded growth and development, and immune suppression.

University of California, Berkeley

Interestingly, overexpression of ompF slightly retarded growth of cells under normal conditions but perfectly abolished cellular growth under osmotic stress (Fig. 4b,g).

Nature

Although often effective, the diet has attracted criticism, as side-effects can be significant and potentially lead to constipation, hypoglycaemia, retarded growth and bone fractures.

BBC

Most of tumors show retarded growth, but a small portion also display invasive growth.

Plosone

Specifically, paternal UPD leads to placentomegaly, costal cartilage defects and late gestational lethality, while maternal UPD causes retarded growth and perinatal death.

Plosone

Rapamycin treatment retarded growth in larvae with pan-neuronal expression of Rheb, but failed to reduce the synapse expansion characteristic of these animals.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternative phrases like "delayed growth" or "impaired growth" to avoid potential offense, especially in non-medical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "retarded growth" in general conversation or informal writing. Its clinical tone and potential to offend make it unsuitable for everyday use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retarded growth" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "retarded" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "growth". This phrase describes a condition or state of impaired or slowed development. Ludwig shows the term used in scientific and medical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

14%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "retarded growth" is grammatically sound but considered potentially offensive in contemporary usage. Ludwig highlights its prevalence in scientific and medical contexts, where it functions to describe impaired development. While acceptable in these settings, it's advisable to opt for alternatives like "delayed growth" or "impaired growth" in more general communication. The term sees frequent usage in scientific literature, less so in news and academic sources. Remember to consider audience sensitivity and context when choosing your words.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growth retardation

This is a more formal, almost synonymous term, but can still carry similar negative connotations.

delayed growth

This term is a more neutral and widely accepted alternative, focusing on the timing aspect of growth.

impaired growth

This phrase emphasizes the functional aspect of growth being hindered or damaged.

slowed growth

This option suggests a reduced rate of growth, rather than a complete stop.

stunted growth

This phrase indicates a significant reduction in size or development, often implying a permanent effect.

inhibited growth

This suggests that growth is being actively prevented or suppressed by some factor.

growth deficit

This term highlights a lack or shortage in expected growth parameters.

suboptimal growth

This indicates that growth is not occurring at its best or ideal rate.

poor growth

This is a general term indicating unsatisfactory growth performance.

arrested growth

This implies a complete cessation of growth, rather than just a slowdown.

FAQs

What are some less offensive alternatives to "retarded growth"?

Consider using alternatives like "delayed growth", "impaired growth", or "slowed growth" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "retarded growth"?

The term "retarded growth" may be appropriate in medical or scientific contexts when describing a specific clinical condition. However, always consider the audience and potential for offense.

How does "retarded growth" differ from "stunted growth"?

"Retarded growth" generally indicates a slowing down of the growth process, while "stunted growth" implies a more significant and potentially permanent reduction in size or development.

What causes "retarded growth"?

Many factors can cause "retarded growth", including genetic conditions, malnutrition, hormonal imbalances, and exposure to toxins.