retarded response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retarded response" is considered outdated and offensive in written English.
It may be used in contexts discussing delays or slowness, but it is advisable to avoid it due to its negative connotations. Example: "The system's retarded response to user input frustrated many customers."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Deep soil moisture sensors showed a retarded response to after-drought rainfall.

Journal of Hydrology

Hand and co-workers [ 35] used a 15-s resetting reinforcer delay procedure and demonstrated retarded response acquisition in SHR compared to WKY controls.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Some groups reported a swift, strong and transient inflammatory response against challenges with E. coli and only a weak and retarded response against S. aureus, in agreement with the respective reaction of the udder.

BMC Veterinary Research

The conditions for the occurrence of a retarded response, with respect to deterministic and noise-diffusion times, are identified.

Journal of Process Control

This fact may be related to the solution delivery among the day being the lid redness a short response and the lid roughness a more retarded response.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Water pretreatment retarded the response of H2 on the iron oxide catalyst, whereas a similar pretreatment accelerated the response of H2 on the Co-Mo catalyst.

Catalysis Today

The growth rates of the resulting transformants were retarded in response to the degree of suppression, indicating that Fv-ada plays an important role in the mycelial growth of F. velutipes.

Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering

We observed that although PTX is critical for development of EAU in mice immunized with CFA, PTX and the uveitogenic peptide IRBP161 180, PTX reduced or retarded DTH responses to autoantigens in an antigen-specific manner by reducing cellular infiltration at the site of challenge even though PTX enhanced the production of proinflammatory cytokines.

Plosone

Evolutionary costs imply an underlying genetic basis to the observed cost and are evolutionary in the sense that they may act as brakes retarding the response to selection for immune efficacy.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

In previous reports, light regime was a negative factor that highly retarded the embryogenic response of leaf explants in Oncidium, Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis (Chen et al. 1999; Chung et al. 2005, 2007; Gow et al. 2009).

Botanical Studies

Diet, lifestyle, and medical interventions may promote or retard inflammatory responses in diabetic management [ 7– 9].

Cardiovascular Diabetology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "retarded response" due to its offensive connotations. Opt for alternatives like "delayed response" or "slowed response" to maintain a respectful and inclusive tone.

Common error

Using "retarded" as a descriptive term is considered highly offensive and ableist. Even in technical contexts, replace it with neutral alternatives to avoid causing harm or offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retarded response" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "retarded" modifies the noun "response". While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI advises caution, as "retarded" can be offensive. The primary function is to describe a response that is slowed or delayed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "retarded response" technically describes a slowed or delayed reaction. However, Ludwig AI highlights that the adjective "retarded" is now widely considered offensive due to its historical use as a derogatory term. While examples exist across scientific and news contexts, Ludwig strongly suggests using alternative phrases like "delayed response" or "slowed response" to avoid causing offense. Choosing respectful and inclusive language is essential for effective communication in any setting. Given its negative connotations, using alternatives to "retarded response" ensures clarity and avoids potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delayed reaction

Replaces "response" with "reaction", focusing on the action taken. Uses a more neutral adjective, "delayed", avoiding the offensive term.

slowed response

Replaces "retarded" with "slowed", offering a more appropriate and less offensive descriptor.

sluggish response

Emphasizes a lack of energy or vitality in the response, implying a slower pace.

lethargic reaction

Highlights a passive or apathetic quality in the response, suggesting a lack of enthusiasm or speed.

stunted reaction

Implies that the response is abnormally limited or underdeveloped.

inhibited response

Suggests that the response is being held back or suppressed.

impaired reaction

Indicates that the response is weakened or damaged.

blunted response

Suggests a reduced or dulled reaction, lacking sharpness or intensity.

dampened reaction

Emphasizes a reduction in the strength or intensity of the reaction.

weakened response

Focuses on the diminished strength or effectiveness of the response.

FAQs

What's a more appropriate alternative to "retarded response"?

Consider using phrases like "delayed response", "slowed response", or "sluggish response" depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it ever okay to use the phrase "retarded response"?

Due to its offensive nature, it's generally not advisable to use "retarded response". There are many neutral and descriptive alternatives that can effectively communicate the intended meaning without causing offense. Refer to Ludwig's suggestions for alternative phrases.

How can I describe a reaction that is slower than expected without using offensive language?

You can use terms like "delayed reaction", "slow reaction", or phrases that describe the specific type of slowness, such as "a response that lacked vigor".

What's the difference between "retarded response" and "delayed response"?

"Delayed response" is a neutral term that simply indicates a reaction that is happening later than expected. "Retarded response", while technically meaning slowed, carries a heavy negative connotation due to the historical use of "retarded" as a derogatory term. Always choose "delayed response" for respectful communication.